The Blue Crab - Ceri Watson

From the coast of Nova Scotia in North America and as far south as Uruguay lives an amazing creature called the Blue Crab. In order for it to grow, it regularly sheds its exoskeleton. It has to do this as its hard outer shell stays the same size, but the tissue of the crab itself is always growing. The process of shedding takes effort and patience but is vital for its growth. As it peels away its old shell, the crab stops eating and takes shelter as it is more vulnerable at this time.

When I look back over my life, I am amazed at how much I have grown. There have been many seasons that have caused me to wriggle. Seasons that have taken effort and patience, but the result has always been growth. In those moments I have learnt to take shelter in the Lord as He is my refuge and strength.

In Luke 5 it says “no one puts new wine in old wine skins.” Jesus came to do something completely new. It just didn’t fit the old way that things were done. Sometimes old things have to go in our lives in order to make room for the new. They may be things that once were good, but now they just don’t fit with what God has for us. If you’re in a season where you feel you’re a bit wriggly, that things are taking a bit of effort and a lot of patience, be encouraged. God may be causing you to be dissatisfied with the old because he has something new for you. The key is to find shelter in Him as He develops well-formed maturity in you.

And remember, if God asks you to grow, He will always give you all you need for what lies ahead of you. You can always trust Him.