I am discovering that crabs are wonderful teachers. On a recent excursion to the beach, a crab was discovered in a pool. It had just molted and its shell was still quite soft. “Don’t try to pick it up,” my son said “Crabs are easily hurt while their shell is soft, they have very little protection.” I decided to do a little research and learned that molting takes a lot of energy for the crabs. They have to store up energy, and at the end are left depleted. Some aren’t able to survive the process. The crabs absorb water and swell, this causes the shell to split, and then they gradually back out their old shell exposing the new soft shell underneath. The soft shell expands to allow room for the crab to grow. After molting, it takes from a few hours to a few days for their shells to harden depending on what type of crab it is. During this time the crab is extremely vulnerable since their only protection is their exoskeleton, which at this point is soft. Sounds like risky business, doesn’t it? The thing is, unless a crab molts, it can’t grow.
Growth isn’t easy. Most of us remember having growing pains as children. Waking to leg pains is quite common for children going through a growth spurt. As parents we are familiar with the adjustments that come with a growing family. Older siblings rarely want to hear that Mommy can’t cuddle now because she is busy with the new baby. Much of a baby’s day is spent sleeping, especially during a growth spurt. Growing is tiring business. Spiritual growth is no different. I can’t ever recall hearing anyone say, “I am so thankful God has allowed this challenge, I feel that I am growing so much.” I have heard people say, “I’ve learned my lesson, enough already!” The times we experience uncertainty, difficulty, and challenging circumstances push us to grow in our faith. These difficult periods can often leave us depleted, exhausted, and feeling vulnerable. It would be much easier if God would just let us read about difficulties, but it is the experience that develops character and prepares us for His purposes.
What do crabs have to teach about growth? Soft shell Crabs are reclusive, they hide for protection. Run to Jesus, hide in Him. It can be tempting to run away, but run to Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) Times of Bible reading and prayer can help you to regain perspective. Seek out a trusted Christian friend who will support you through the process. Usually after crabs molt, they regain their strength and then reproduce. Molting serves a very important purpose in their lifecycle. The season of molting and growth does not last forever. There is a purpose God wants to accomplish by this period of growth. It is a season in the cycle. Knowing that doesn’t always make it easier, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. “In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith……may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:6 7) It is said that hindsight is twenty /twenty; it is easy to look back at things and to see the purpose. Then, of course, there are times when looking back it doesn’t make sense, and probably never will. Still, all these things mould us and shape our characters.
For the Body of Christ there is also a lesson to be learned. Those facing rough situations are left vulnerable, weak and exhausted. How can we encourage a friend during a difficult season? Something as simple as a hot cup of coffee and a listening ear can be a great comfort. Respond to the hurting with compassion, patience, tenderness and love. Knowing how to respond is sometimes just as hard for the Body as the experience is for the person having it. Pray for wisdom. A little encouragement can go a long way. “…. your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. 4 Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. (2Thessalonians 1:3,4)
Just like people, challenges come in all shapes and sizes: grief, dissapointment, poor health, strained relationships, or maybe dealing with that annoying co-worker. The list is endless. Do you know a friend who is in the process of growth? Do you feel yourself swelling so your shell can pop open ready to be stretched again? Has your experience left you exhausted? “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children….. God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:7,10,11)
Back to those crazy crabs; older crabs may only molt every year or so, young crabs can molt as often as every three days. Sounds awful! Here we grow again..
