Turtle Tuesdays: The Sign

Last Saturday, my husband and I visited a new gift shop, The Emerald Turtle. The name makes me think of the land of Oz. B' ing a turtle girl, I was excited to check it out. If you scroll through my blog, you can see a small portion of my collection. Some people in my family think I should B turtled out. I thought my husband may be leaning in that direction too. Imagine my surprise when he told me to buy this sign. It was totally his idea, not mine. I promise : )

Meet B, the crossing turtle. She is a sign, a REAL sign. Look at her colors. Noboby could miss the meaning behind this sign, or could they? Most of my silly little turtle stories come to me immediately, but not this one. I wondered what this B would say on Turtle Tuesday. The Lord heard my pondering thoughts and He set the stage for the story to B told. Yes, B, the crossing turtle had a story. We all do. Here's a recap of what happened.

I lead a Sunday School class at my church. We are in between studies, so I prayed about our lesson. Studying on leadership from Joshua 3 seemed to be my answer. This passage is about the Israelites following the Ark of the Covenant, going a way they had never been before. They had to consecrate themselves for this trip because the Lord was going to do amazing things among them. Just hearing that makes you want to clean up, doesn't it!

The way they had to go looked difficult. Crossing the Jordan River at flood stage must have seemed virtually impossible, but the Lord told them He was going ahead of them. That's always the key to get where you are supposed to go. As the priests carrying the ark touched the water's edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. All the people crossed on dry ground into the promised land. Then Joshua told the twelve men he selected earlier to gather stones from the Jordan as a sign of what the Lord did when the waters of the Jordan were cut off.

Our class had great discussion and prayer time. When I got home from church, I knew God was speaking to me as I placed the folders in my office. I was simply amazed. He is totally engaged in my life and yours...and why wouldn't he b. After all there is a wedding feast planned. This relationship is serious! My thoughts turned to my post for today. What was the crossing turtle sign going to B about? Then, just like the scene from Oz, except He pulled the curtain from my eyes. I knew what He was saying to B. I saw the sign. The sign was for me.

What I am facing in my ministry looks difficult. I am looking at a heap of obstacles trying to keep me from my promised land. It is time to step my foot into the place He is calling me. Turtle, cross over! Do the study in the village. Take a step in the all the creative ideas He floods inside my mind. Never mind all the 'ites' there. (see Joshua 3:10)

Maybe you are facing mountains in what God has called you to do. We can't always see what is ahead in our journey. We are to walk by faith, not sight. It will require us to take steps in places that are new to us. I know the Lord has AMAZING things planned for you and B. The Living God is among us. Read the signs along the path. You could be at a crossing like B. I can feel the water on my toes now. I am crossing. See you on the other side.

B His Girl