The Turtle on the Fence Post: Recognizing Help in Our Journey

Yesterday morning, during a sermon on faith, my pastor shared an inspiring story about Alex Haley, the author of “Roots.” Haley kept a photo of a turtle on a fence post in his office. When people asked about the picture, he explained that it served as a powerful reminder: if you see a turtle on a fence post, you know it had some help getting there.

The message my pastor conveyed was profound and spot on—no matter how far we get in life, we have received help along the way. This help comes first and foremost from our Heavenly Father, but also from family, friends, co-workers, and the many people we interact with daily.

Acknowledging Divine Help

The Bible is filled to the brim with reminders of God’s support and guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” When we place our faith in God and His plans for us, we can rest assured that He will help us navigate life’s challenges and reach our goals.

Psalm 121:1-2 further reinforces this idea: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Recognizing that our achievements and progress are not solely our doing but are made possible by divine intervention is humbling and empowering.

The Role of Family, Friends, and Community

While divine help is front and center, God often works through the people around us. Our journey is enriched by the support of family, friends, and colleagues. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 beautifully captures this sentiment: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

We are not meant to walk alone. Our fellow Christians, our friends, and our families provide the encouragement, wisdom, and support we need. They help lift us up when we are down, celebrate our successes, and provide guidance in times of uncertainty.

Embracing Humility and Gratitude

The image of the turtle on the fence post is a call to embrace humility and gratitude. James 4:10 advises, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” Acknowledging that our accomplishments are not merely the result of our efforts but are facilitated by the help of others keeps us grounded and thankful.

Gratitude is a powerful force. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have been blessed with. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” By recognizing the help we receive from God and others, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that enhances our faith and strengthens our relationships.

Putting Faith in Action

Faith is not a passive state but an active pursuit. James 2:17 declares, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” As we trust in God and acknowledge the support we receive, we are called to extend that help to others. Galatians 6:2 urges us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

When we help others, we become instruments of God’s grace and love. Our actions can inspire and uplift those around us, creating a ripple effect of kindness and support that extends far beyond our immediate circles.

Bottom Line Y’all…

The lesson of the turtle on the fence post is a beautiful reminder of the help we receive in our journey. By recognizing the divine support from our Heavenly Father and the assistance from those around us, we can cultivate humility, gratitude, and a spirit of service. When we put our faith in God and His plans for us, we can be confident that He will help us reach heights we never thought possible.

Let us take this lesson to heart and remember to thank God and the people in our lives for their invaluable contributions. As we do so, we not only honor their support but also strengthen our faith and our relationships. Together, with God’s guidance and the help of our peers, we can achieve great things.