Brent Mitchell from Ceres, CA shares the following true story.
From time to time, lobsters have to leave their shells in order to grow. Apparently it is a necessary part of their growth process. While they are growing, they need the shell to protect them from being torn apart. And yet, as a result of having grown on the inside, their old shell must be abandoned. If they do not abandon it, their old shell will soon become their prison – and finally their casket.
The tricky part for the lobster is the brief period of time between when the old shell is discarded and the new one is formed. During that terribly vulnerable period, the transition must be scary to the lobster. Currents gleefully cartwheel them from coral to kelp. Hungry schools of fish are ready to make them a part of their food chain. For a while at least, that old shell must look pretty good – even if it soon begins to feel tight and uncomfortable.
Sometimes lobsters die between shells. That’s life and death in the ocean blue. Though sad, perhaps it is not as sad as the possibility of slowly suffocating in a shell that no longer fits.
We are not so different from lobsters. If we did not have a shell – a structure, a framework – within which to grow, then I doubt any of us would have made it this far.
Even so, change and growth are necessary for survival. Discipleship means being so committed to Christ that, when He bids us to follow, to change, to risk, to grow, to leave our “shells” behind, we do what He asks.
Last Sunday we looked at the letter to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13). Though the church might be small and weak, Jesus blessed them and placed before them an Open Door. He was giving them an opportunity to Step Out in Faith to walk through their Open Door. What a privilege!
What about you? Are you enjoying the comfort of your familiar shell? Are you satisfied to stick with your Status Quo? Or are you willing to Step Out in Faith to boldly walk through your Open Door?
Have you heard this challenging insight? “In order to Go where you have never gone before, you must be willing to Do what you have never done before.” Keep doing what you are currently doing and you will continue to stay right where you are. But to be able to stretch and grow means you must be willing to leave the security and comfort of your shell. Your shell might feel very comfortable right now but eventually it will restrict you and even squeeze the life right out of you. Step out in Faith to begin to experience all the wonderful things Christ wants to do in your life and through your life.
We will conclude our study series, Seven Letters to your Church, this Sunday, November 15, with Jesus’ command to the church in Laodicea, “Light the Fire Again” (Revelation 3:14-22). Please don’t miss it, and please invite someone to share it with you. (Come early and be part of Bible Study classes for all ages at 9:30am.)
If you are not able to join us in person at 10:35am for worship, then be sure to join us online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook or our YouTube channel.
Men’s Breakfast is happening Saturday, November 21, at 9am. Men, don’t miss it. We want to see you there!
Our annual Christmas Lunch & Treasure Trade for ladies and girls takes place Saturday, December 5. You need a free ticket in order to be able to attend this wonderful event, so pick one up on Sunday or contact the church office for more information.
Mahalo and Aloha ke Akua!