Wielding Faith And Fighting FearSýnishorn

A Turtle’s Faith

This morning I stepped off my front porch and almost put two hundred pounds and my hard-soled dress shoes on the back of a foot-long turtle. The turtle was as surprised as I was, but all he did was stick his neck back into his shell.

How could it be so calm? The turtle was at peace with the fact that it was not born with the speed to outrun trouble. Instead, it was given armor to withstand it. Psalm 119:14 states, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” When we put our full confidence into the durability of God’s Word and His power in our lives, we no longer feel the fear that makes us run from trouble. Instead, we can withstand the trial, safe in the shelter of His promises.

Sometimes the greatest expression of faith is when we withdraw into the shell of the Word of God and just trust. I have seen that turtle walk away from an 80-pound biting dog simply because it had the good sense to trust its shell. Has God provided more for turtles than for you and me? Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.”

Recall a time when you were not able to respond to a challenge with anything other than trusting God to be your “refuge and shield.” How did this strengthen your faith in God, and teach you to fight your fear?

We trust that this reading plan has been edifying for you. To view other resources from Dr. Derek Grier, visit his website .