A Turtle and Really Big Heavy Things

Last Sunday morning as I drove to church I had to swerve ever so slightly to avoid running over a turtle crossing Route 81. I looked back at him in my rear view mirror, relieved I hadn't hit him and continued to check for the few moments I could to be sure no one else did either. I thought it fortunate for him it was a Sunday morning and traffic was light--otherwise he didn't have any chance of making it safely across.

As I drove on I thought "little good that shell of his would do him if he gets hit by a car". It's great for shelter and against predators but not against cars, trucks or really big heavy things! He was no longer in my rear view mirror but looking back over the last few years of my life I realized my consciously putting on the armor of God draws some parallels to that turtle wearing his shell.

Even though I do all I can to "be strong in the Lord and in HIS mighty power" it doesn't mean that really big heavy things which are beyond my control won't come my way. Knowing God's word, knowing truth, doing what is right, praying & having faith are all key to helping me stand firm. I have a choice to either stay put on the side of life's busy highway and worry about what's going to come at me--hiding in my shell--or I can venture out, with the peace of God trusting that I've prepared myself as instructed. When life does come my way, when the really big heavy things hit, it's God's mighty power that will get me through-- not my own efforts.

I'm so thankful for the many dear friends who have encouraged me along the way through when the really big heavy things hit. They cried with me, prayed with me, just listened, gave advice when asked and were just there for me. I believe God has created us for community and doing life with others can lighten the load in so many ways. I hope you'll find friends like this through the various ministries, classes, outings and opportunities to connect at Hershey Free.

I drive that stretch of 81 daily and didn't see the turtle crushed in the road...I'm thinking he made it across, keeping his focus straight ahead, plodding along...


"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10&11