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1) The classics are classics, and there are few better teachings than this one, entitled "The Turtle Wins." It is one of Aesop’s fables and yet strangely biblical. But how can this be? It’s simple. God’s principles predate everything else, even when it comes to the Code of Hammurabi.

2) Here’s the bottom line: the Christian journey is not one of absolute straight-up and never twisting. Consider Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Savior, and our example. Born of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, and then forced to relocate to Egypt to keep the mission going. This clearly illustrates that there is danger in the pathway.

3) But the victory for every Bible-believing, born-again Christian relies on this one principle: perspective. Without it, there is little hope and strength. If we lose the correct vision, we can easily abandon the race. But if we maintain the vision that has been laid out for us by Jesus Christ, we will not allow the deterrents to prevent us from reaching the goal of eternal victory.

4) We MUST mature as Christians. That is not to say that you and I are not growing. That is the opposite of the truth. If you are one of His, in one way or another, you and I are growing. BUT…that does not mean that we can lean on our blessed assurance and take no accountability for being engaged in the process. After all, we all said, “Yes, Jesus. Make us more like you.”

5) So, while Jesus is answering our prayers, we need to stop whining that He is making us more like Him. The biggest problem is that most of us don’t like His process. But then again, we do proclaim that we call Him Lord. So there is that truth. Yes?

A) The profound message that Psalms convey is that even in our darkest moments, there is a ray of hope that emanates from the Son of God Himself. Psalm 55:20 discusses someone who has violated a covenant. This could be a family member or a friend, but it's someone within our trusted circle. This brings to mind the song "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".

B) Indeed, many interpret this as the Antichrist breaking the covenant with Israel, initiating or during the tribulation. However, in context, it pertains to personal betrayal by someone who has made a commitment to you. Recent events have shown that Israel, as a nation, can be easily betrayed. But don't be deceived. Even those who are close allies to us and to the faith can betray us. There is only One who will never fail us.

C) Verse 21 cautions us to be wary. Some individuals have a remarkable way with words, their speech as smooth as butter. But remember, let God be true and every man a liar. Beneath those words lies nothing but a desire for conflict and war. This likely has prophetic implications for future encounters with the man of lawlessness, but it also pertains to those who are simply lawless.

D) Amidst all these things, we encounter a scripture that is reiterated in the New Testament: "Cast your burden unto the Lord, and He will sustain you. He will never permit the righteous to be moved." To cast a burden is to throw it off ourselves. The Hebrew word for "to be sustained" is "chewel", which means to maintain, nourish, provide food, hold up, protect, support, and defend. That's what the Lord does for us.

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