Be a Turtle - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) May 20, 2022

Ever had to wait for a turtle to cross the street in your car? It seems this only happens on the busiest days and of course, the shelled-creatures move slowly. The fact they fearlessly cross the street is amazing because they seem to have no concept of moving cars and the risk they pose. Instead, turtles simply mosey on across the asphalt - not looking left or right. And while some turtles make it to safety, that isn't the case for every one them. Many are crushed to death or left injured. At times, a kind person will stop traffic for the creature to make it to safety. Some people even give the turtle a lift, getting it away from vehicles.

Think of every single person as a turtle crossing the street of life. The only difference between individuals is that those who walk with the Lord get to the other side of the road. When the Believer is instructed by God to venture out, they need to step out onto the street. This despite the speeding cars and the slim probability of getting to safety. Being a caring Father, God will ensure safe arrival no matter the dangers that try to prevent that feat. He'll do whatever is necessary to ensure success as long as His child remains on the path He chose. This includes sending a helpful person to get you safely across if necessary. And in many cases, He'll help a child get back on track if they wander off.

In general, turtles move slowly! And this is because when God created them, they didn't receive the speed and agility of a cheetah. Now, imagine if a turtle was frustrated with its pace? What could it do in its own strength to change this? Nothing. This is why a road-crossing turtle settles into its trip and its speed. We must do the same as children of the Most High God and not think we can make things faster. Though our journey with Him might be slow, it is worth it. The pace creates time to grasp the large and small concepts He's teaching so they can be applied in a manner pleasing to Him.

Like the turtle, God's children can't worry about not seeing their surroundings or that the street is boiling hot and uncomfortable. They can't stress out about the giants whizzing by, ready to crush. They often can't even slow down to take stock of the others who've fallen off the same path. Instead, their focus has to be on getting to the destination.

As long as we trust and obey the Lord, He has promised to walk with us under all circumstances. We shall not only survive every challenge but we shall escape them unscathed (Isaiah 43:2)! Hallelujah and thank You, Father!

I pray you'll join us at 12 Noon EST today as we fellowship together in honor of the Lord Most High.