September 9, 2024 Molting and Maturing
Molting and Maturing
So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation.
The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!
2 Corinthians 5:17, CEB
Our oldest granddaughter loves learning about different animals and their habits. Recently she shared her discovery about crabs, who have an unusual way of growing. As they mature, they shed their outer rigid shells and develop expanded coverings that better fit their enlarging bodies. Crabs undertake this molting process an average of 10-20 times over their life cycle.
This growing process reminded me of times I needed to shed the rigid shells of certain roles, responsibilities, or habits in which I languished or no longer found pleasure or purpose. I learned to recognize feelings of discomfort or rigidity as a signal that God was calling me to let go of what was to make room for what could be.
Biblically, consider the apostle Paul. He shed his role as a Christian persecutor, which felt so right at the time, to assume the position of Christian evangelist and church planter after meeting Jesus on the Damascus Road. Or Moses, who shed his life as a royal to become a Jewish slave, from slave to an exiled shepherd, and then to shed the shepherd job to become the leader of a nation.
Some signals of our need for change may be dramatic. Others may be nothing more than persistent restlessness or uncomfortableness with where we are or what we’re doing. Either way, although moving into a new role, responsibility, or habit involves uncertainty and risk, it usually results in us expanding our skills, experiences, and relationships. It is how God helps us make room for new things and become more fruitful as we serve Him.
Reflect: In what areas of your life do you feel a sense of discomfort or rigidity, indicating a need for growth and change? How can you take steps to shed the rigid “shells” in order to further mature and thrive?
Pray: Gracious God, Enable me to recognize the signs of stagnation and rigidity in my life. Grant me the courage to shed the old, familiar “shells,” embrace the discomfort of growth and change, and step boldly into new roles and habits. May each “molting” transform and renew me as I strive to become a more fruitful servant in Your kingdom. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria Ashby
Lay Leader