2020 Daily Devotion - Day 224
I have read that lobsters have to leave their shells from time to time in order to grow and develop. They need the shell for protection, however in order to grow, the old shell must be abandoned. Since the shell is hard and not elastic, this is essential for the development of the lobster.
As important as this is, the most difficult part is the period between discarding the old shell and the development of the new shell. During this time, the lobster is highly vulnerable. There are predators in the water that would love nothing more than to have a lobster dinner, even without melted butter. In addition, as the current moves them about, they are susceptible to being injured by rocks and coral which could harm them without a shell.
In many respects, we have something in common with the lobsters losing their shells. In order for us to grow and develop, we too must shed our shells. Some of our shells are things like materialism and prestige, which often lead to pride and arrogance. Another shell is living only for ourselves and what we want. But being a Christ-follower and disciple means to remove these temporal things which never really satisfy. As disciples, it means to leave our old shells of self-will; allowing Jesus to develop us according to His plan.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NRSV
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, this period of the pandemic is a time in which it feels like our outer nature is “wasting away”. But You can use this period and experience to grow and develop us into stronger people. Give us the strength and courage to let go of our former-self and to allow You to do a new work in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
As important as this is, the most difficult part is the period between discarding the old shell and the development of the new shell. During this time, the lobster is highly vulnerable. There are predators in the water that would love nothing more than to have a lobster dinner, even without melted butter. In addition, as the current moves them about, they are susceptible to being injured by rocks and coral which could harm them without a shell.
In many respects, we have something in common with the lobsters losing their shells. In order for us to grow and develop, we too must shed our shells. Some of our shells are things like materialism and prestige, which often lead to pride and arrogance. Another shell is living only for ourselves and what we want. But being a Christ-follower and disciple means to remove these temporal things which never really satisfy. As disciples, it means to leave our old shells of self-will; allowing Jesus to develop us according to His plan.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NRSV
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, this period of the pandemic is a time in which it feels like our outer nature is “wasting away”. But You can use this period and experience to grow and develop us into stronger people. Give us the strength and courage to let go of our former-self and to allow You to do a new work in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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