Turtles On the Track

Thursday night, in our “Cleansing Streams” class at church…
The topic of study that week: “Committing Everything to God”.
Distractions, Obstacles and Assaults hinder our walk with the Lord.
In our group discussion, mention was made of the obstacles resembling hurdles on the track.
One member of the group heard “turtles on the track”.
Somewhat bewildered she noted this “turtle” reference in the margin of her notebook.
Later she realized the group had been discussing hurdles , not turtles, on the track.
A “Holy Ghost joy-fest” ensued – complete with uncontrollable laughter, tears and aching sides.
The following commemorates the Presence of God in our class…
We recall the laughter, as well as the lesson.

Distract: v. 1 to draw (the mind, attention, etc.) away or divert in a another direction
2 to confuse; bewilder  3 to disturb or trouble greatly in the mind
Obstruct: v. 1 to block, or stop up; make difficult with obstacles  2 to hinder 3 to cut off from view
Obstacle: n. something that stands in the way (of progress)
Assault: n. 1 a violent attack; onslaught  2 the stage of close combat in an attack
3 unlawful threat or attempt to harm another (as physically, emotionally, spiritually)

Turtles On the Track

I must surely be in training, all the striving and the straining.
Lord, without a doubt, my will is being tested.
As I pray for more endurance, I will stand on Your assurance…
But I don’t think this is quite what I requested.
Lately I am struggling, all the tasks that I am juggling;
It seems, there’s just no catching up, no matter how I try.
I look for someone else to blame, and yet the answer’s still the same,
My biggest obstacles? Are me, myself and I.
Hidden dragons, crouching turtles… as I navigate the hurdles,
The progress I was making? Now reduced.
All the whining and complaining, about these obstacles detaining,
A bitter fruit, is all that gets produced.

We’re all entered in the race… quite concerned with how we’ll place,
And everywhere is something to distract.
If I could find an open lane, then some speed I’d surely gain;
But there are just too many turtles on the track.
My determination curdles, faced with obstacles and hurdles,
The fear that I might loose, or bring disgrace.
With Satan's lies and his deception, I feel drawn to change direction,
The enemy would coach me, “Quit the race”.
That’s when I am reminded, “a promise made” and Who’s behind it,
The race that’s set before us… well, it isn’t just for fun.
It isn’t just the team of ME, lest I forget the other three,
The Father, and the Spirit, and the Son.

So, I will gladly be in training, I’ll do the striving and the straining,
And it isn’t for a trophy or the hope of some award.
You see, despite the many hurdles, and a track that’s full of turtles,
The race I run, I’m running… to glorify the Lord.
In the end, who gets the prize – is it the small or largest size?
Is it those who come out spotless, or with stain?
Will the race be won with speed, or by the coach’s voice we heed?
Despite distractions, where our focus would remain?
If I commit the race to You, and bring a turtle with me, too;
It’s promised, that by grace, I’ll be the winner.
This race won’t depend on speed, there’s really just one thing we need,
The committed, willing heart… of a sinner.

Search me, show me, let me see… the truth that I would hide,
Help me overcome the fear, and paralyzing pride.
Help me overcome myself, and not be overwhelmed.
Let me be the vessel… with You, Lord, at the helm.

Luke 10:39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. 
:40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked,
"Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" 
:41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 
:42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Isaiah 40:31  But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
:3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

1Co 10:24  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.     1Co 10:26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly;

Pro 4:25  Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.  

Eph 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 
12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Gal 5:25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Received by Cheryl Winchester
“Cleansing Streams” – “Commit Everything to God”