Lynn_Bauch@hotmail.com

I remember watching a documentary on TV about Sea Turtles and how they would crawl up on a beach, far from the water’s edge and from the waves, scoop out a nest in the dry sand and lay their eggs. Once the eggs were laid, the turtles just swam away. Many of the eggs never had the opportunity to hatch, and the baby turtles that did emerge, had to struggle to get to the water, instinctively and quickly, or they would die of dehydration.

On the way to the water there were many hazards - predators, lights, and ruts in the sand leading away from the ocean. It was a long way to the water, and these were tiny little babies… just minutes old, fragile, weak, and tired from pushing their way out of the shell, and now they were in a race for life – to get to the water.

Lots of tourists came to watch the hatchings. It was so tempting to help the little babies to the water. To pick them up and carry them, shielding them from predators, and to shorten the time and distance that they were exposed to the dry sand and hot sun.

But each one that was lovingly carried, and set gently in the water soon drowned. Because it was in the struggle, going the distance, fighting the obstacles, that made the baby turtles strong, developing their legs and muscles, to be able to swim - and survive.

Do you suppose that God watches us with the same longing to reach down and pick us up and carry us – but that in His infinite wisdom, He knows that it is in the struggle that we become strong?

Yet, if we cry Abba Father – He is right there, encouraging us, and walking alongside of us until we’ve reached our destination. We emerge from our journey stronger, more able, and with a deeper faith that glorifies Him who created us, and who knows us best.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4