Finishing StrongSample

Growth can be difficult. It's true.

There will be seasons where you feel like everyone has left you. Have you ever felt like that? Like you’re all alone? Or that no one understands what you’re feeling or going through?

When my kids feel that way, I always encourage them to think about the lobster.

Growth is a choice. Development takes a surrendered will.

We have to have the mental toughness of a lobster.

When a lobster is about to go through a growing phase, it goes to the bottom of the ocean to hide itself under a rock. It knows that in order to grow, it must disappear and go away for a bit. But in this season the lobster is intentional with its time. It is in these moments that the lobster is preparing itself to shed its old shell. Then at exactly the right time, the old shell will drop, fall off, and break away.

Think about how lonely they must feel during this process.

As the old shell breaks, the lobster is very vulnerable. With no covering, it becomes a very delicate thing. It cannot be exposed while it’s in its growing process. It must be alone for its safety.

Think about that in the moments when you feel the most alone or isolated. But remember, God makes us a promise that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you, and that He hears you as well as knows where you’re at emotionally and physically.

If you follow King David’s story, you’ll discover that he went through multiple moments that look like the lobster. Not just at the beginning of his life, but in the middle and even near the end.

Whatever trials you may be facing will only be a moment of isolation. A time for you to be intentional, to live on purpose, and seek God for the growth that he is bringing in your heart and in your life.

Even Jesus developed in isolation. “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

This process doesn’t happen overnight, and it will not last your entire life. It just means that a growth is happening and the new normal is taking place.

We must set our sights on Finishing Strong.