Out of the Shell

Bible Reading: Matthew 28:18-20

“You’re still living in the same small shell, Hermie,” Laila told her little crab. She looked at the empty larger shell she’d put at the bottom of the bowl. “When I got you at the pet store, they told me hermit crabs have to move into bigger shells as they grow. And you’ve grown a lot—you’re way too big for that little shell on your back!”

At the sound of Laila’s voice, the crab peeked out of his shell.

“Go on, Hermie,” Laila said. “You can do it. Move!”

Hermie seemed to consider it and stretched out farther, but then he quickly snapped back into the safety of his small shell.

Laila sighed as she picked up the bowl and took it to the kitchen. “I think Hermie is scared to move to his new shell, Mom. I talked to him about it, and he seems to listen, but he still won’t move.”

“Well, I’m sure he’ll move when it’s really necessary,” Mom said.

“I hope so,” said Laila. “He seems to respond to my voice, so I’ll keep talking to him so he knows I’m there. Maybe then he won’t be so afraid.”

“Good idea,” said Mom. “By the way, Mr. Harlow called. He wants to know if you’re planning to help out at the kids’ program at church Saturday afternoon.”

“I don’t know,” said Laila. “Mr. Harlow wants me to be part of the prayer team and lead a prayer group for younger kids, but I’ve never done anything like that before. What if I don’t know what to say?”

Mom pointed to Hermie’s bowl. “Trying new things can be scary, but God uses those situations to help us grow. And don’t forget—Jesus is always with you. If this is something He wants you to do, He’ll help you do it.” She gave Laila a hug. “Just listen to Him. If you feel the Lord encouraging you to be part of the prayer team, know He’ll be with you the whole time and don’t be afraid to do it.”

Laila looked at her mom, then back at her little crab. “Okay. I’ll call Mr. Harlow and tell him I’ll be there. I guess it’s time to come out of my shell too.”

-Sandra L. Ardoin

How About You?

Are you afraid to try new things—even when you think the Lord is telling you to do them? Is there someone He wants you to help? Someone He wants you to invite to church? Someone you should talk to about Jesus? It can be scary, but He will always be with you and give you the ability to do anything He asks you to do. Trust Him to help you try new things and grow.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 28:19-20 Go and make disciples of all the nations…And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Do what God says