Snail Perseverance

"By perseverance

the snail reached the ark."

~ Charles Spurgeon ~

Have you ever been given a task that seemed so huge and overwhelming that you wanted to quit before you began? You ask yourself, “How will I ever be able to accomplish it? Is it even worth the effort needed to succeed?”

The lowly snail is not known for her great speed (are there fast and slow snails?) Still, she had been invited to make the journey to the Ark. In order to arrive “on time,” she needed to prepare and then allow herself enough time to make the trip. Some may have criticized her decision to even go (who is this Noah fellow anyway?), while others thought she would never complete the trip. But she DID go and she DID arrive in time. How do we know? Because she is here – she survived the flood.

We don’t know how far the snail or any of the animals traveled, or what perils they encountered to hinder them along the way. Her only surviving testimony is: “I answered the call and I persevered until I reached the ark.”

Isn’t it the same for us today? God gives us a task that may look impossible to accomplish. We are to persevere until it is accomplished – sometimes inch by inch. Perseverance means to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning. Hindrances do come and our faithfulness to the task will be tried. Pure determination and persistence are not always enough. As God strengthens and empowers us, and we persevere on the path He has laid out before us, we WILL succeed. If we give up and quit, we will never reach the goal.

How many would hail the little snail as a hero or a role model? Not many. She is not often in the spotlight, except to emphasize how slow she is. She may not be the “fastest” or the “most popular,” but yet she will get there because she doesn’t give up. Anything placed in her path, she will climb over or around it. God doesn’t ask us to "be the best,” He is only looking for our obedience and faithfulness.

“I can do ALL things through Christ who strengths me.” Philippians 4:13

Not there yet? Keep going. Haven’t received an answer yet? Keep asking. Feel like you can’t go another step? Ask God for the strength to persevere and hold to the course. You are not alone; He is with you on your journey. He knows how much farther and what you need to get there. Trust Him and don’t miss the boat!!

Selah Y

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