Within Our Element!

Turtles are fascinating creatures. I had the opportunity to see and photograph some large ones last November during a trip to the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Here is a creature that carries its home wherever it goes. When danger threatens the turtle is able to immediately retract its head and feet back into its shell. However, to move on there is the need to stick its neck out. Though on land turtles may move fairly slowly and appear a bit awkward and clumsy, in the sea they have the ability to glide along swiftly and far as if they are the soaring birds of the sea. This is the realm where their gracefulness can most be seen and admired. Though time is spent on the beach, it is the water that really appears to be their element.

Perhaps we feel a bit awkward in life. That may be a good thing to sense since the reality we should understand is this world is not really our home. As spiritual beings we are somewhat out of our element, but must guard against the tendency to retreat within our shell. Like the turtle, the only way we can progress forward is to stick our neck out. This is to be done with the focus of our FAITH AND RELIANCE ON GOD.

Isaiah encouraged…
“(28) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (29) HE GIVES POWER TO THE FAINT, and to him who has no might HE INCREASES STRENGTH. (30) Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; (31) but THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; they shall MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES; they shall RUN AND NOT BE WEARY; they shall WALK AND NOT FAINT.” ( Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV)

Our movement and progress may at times seem slow on earth. However, as for the turtle it is slow and steady that takes it toward the water, we too must keep moving steadily onward knowing that within THE ELEMENT OF FAITH AND RELIANCE ON God we can ultimately soar.

It was Paul who unequivocally stated…
“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME.” ( Philippians 4:13 ESV)

May we be willing to stick our neck out so as to keep moving forward as we continue to look to God for His power to lift us up to soar freely like eagles. Though we might feel the gravity of this world working to hold us back, our steadfast FAITH AND RELIANCE ON GOD can keep us moving onward and upward. His power and strength can lift us far above it all!

Have a great day KNOWING WITH GOD THE SKY IS REALLY NOT THE LIMIT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faith