Snail: July 7, 2010

Today's Word for Wednesday July 7, 2010

SNAIL

DEFINITION

A slow mover - a mollusk with a spiral shell.

SCRIPTURE

"But we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

One of our earliest childhood experiences was watching snails crawl around in our flower gardens. Even though they were fascinating to watch we were always taken back as to how slow they were. It is noted that a snail can move at about 40 feet an hour. No wonder we often use the phrase, "moving at a snail's pace" when we refer to slow.

One virtue that a slow snail has is perseverance. The great preacher, Charles Spurgeon observed and was quoted in his sermons - By perseverance the snail reached the ark. That is more than the unrighteous accomplished in Noah's day.

So when we think of a snail we think of perseverance. In the verse above, the apostle Paul tells us that perseverance is a key component in character development. Paul says that tribulation produces perseverance and upon that building block goes character and hope.

The original Greek word translated "perseverance" means steadfastness, constancy and endurance. It was used in the scriptures referring to believers who endured in their walk of faith with their Lord. They persevered in spite of their many painful trials.

Look at your life today and respond to these two questions. First, have you developed perseverance in your walk with the Lord? Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail's pace in your walk with the Lord? Secondly, have you learned, despite the many trials you may be facing, to build your daily walk with the Lord with perseverance? Are you being steadfast in your faith knowing that character and hope are building blocks that you can daily use in building up your endurance to serve the Lord with all of your heart, mind and soul?

God does not ask for a quick start or a fast finish. He expects from all of us a consistent persevering progress even if it is at a snail's pace. Great achievement in life demands great perseverance.

LEARNING

Our memory verse for this week is found in Isaiah 26:3.

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

PRAYER

Thank You for teaching me to glory in my tribulations so that I can produce in my life perseverance, character and hope. Give me the fortitude to be the leader You want me to be with my family, friends and neighbors. May they all see in me Your love for them so that they may have a personal relationship with You.