Lobsters! They are interesting looking creatures, aren’t they?
They have a tail, two claws, 6 legs, and 4 antennas. They have their skeleton on the outside–an exoskeleton. Their “shells” don’t grow at all.
Lobsters grow by shedding their shells (i.e. molting). The lobster begins to grow on the inside, pushing against its exoskeleton. It becomes extremely uncomfortable. It even has to hide so as to be protected from predators while it gets rid of its shell.
Once they do this, they grow a new exoskeleton that is bigger. Then the lobster’s insides grow again until it becomes uncomfortable again.
James 1: 2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I am a hugger. I like to hug.
Hugging is the best, at least for other Huggers like myself. Unfortunately, I am unable to do that right now. Waving to people is great but there is nothing like a hug. It is irritating!
However, when I start to feel this way I need to remember that there is a lesson to be learned.
Maybe God is pruning me and you know, that is how God works. He uses valleys, struggles and even the unknown to help us mature. He want us to focus on our relationship with Him!
So when we go though these times we need to remember to be a lobster and use these uncomfortable, scary, and irritating times to grow in our relationship with God.
Here are the lyrics to “Oceans” by Hillsong United
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start now
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
God bless you all.
The Good Shepherd Ministries 