Snail: February 11, 2013

TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2013.

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 aback 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 extreme slowness. In today’s fast paced world we have little patience for anything that goes at a snail’s pace. When things do not come quickly or easily, most often people just give up.

One virtue that a slow snail has is perseverance. The great preacher, Charles Spurgeon, apparently observed snails and stated in one of his sermons, “by perseverance the snail reached the ark.” The snail continues to persevere at his slow pace until he reaches his goal.

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 character and hope are founded.

No matter what our trials are, when we persevere and our faith endures, we have the sure hope of the outcome of our faith, which is the salvation of our souls. (I Peter 1:6-9)

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.

Those who follow Jesus will not get through life in this world without suffering in some way for their faith. Jesus warns believers in John 15:20, “If they persecuted Me they will persecute you also.”

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 I Thessalonians 5:18.

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

PRAYER:

Thank You for teaching me that I can expect to have tribulations but that the troubles and suffering in my life will produce perseverance, character and hope. Keep me steadfast in my faith and 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 desire to have a personal relationship with You.