Tortoise and his Prayers

Romans 12:12 is a simple and imperative verse.  It is a command to be like Jesus in everything we do. This verse says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”   The story below gives an entertaining example:

There once was a field that was inhabited by all types of meadow creatures, such as mice and deer.  Each lived in its own home; the rabbit resided in a hole, and the lark dwelled in a tree nest.  All the animals drank from a large pond in the middle of the field and received their food from Tortoise, who farmed.  This Tortoise lived in a diminutive straw hut that he built for himself, yet he often lent it to visitors.  He was elderly and wise and every animal respected him, for he provided them with their food.

            One year, a few weeks after sowing his seeds, a violent storm came upon the meadow and washed away all the green sprouts.  When the squall receded, Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit came to Tortoise with their babies, saying that they were considering moving to a new meadow due to the food shortages.  Tortoise was patient in this affliction.  He comforted them and told them that he would replant the crops shortly. 

The Rabbits departed with new hopes, but as soon as they had gone, Mrs. Deer arrived, sobbing.  She explained that if she didn’t have enough nutritious foods, her soon-to-be-born fawn wouldn’t be a healthy baby.   Tortoise placated her and sent her away with last year’s corn and a few apples.

Tortoise replanted his seeds and prayed that they would grow quickly, but be plentiful.  The Lord answered his prayer for there was much food when harvest time came around.  Mrs. Deer came again to Tortoise, except this time she was not alone.  A petite female fawn came leaping and bounding along behind her.

She thanked Tortoise for the extra food and bought additional provisions for the winter.  Mr. and Mrs. Rabbit also came to visit, explaining that they would never think about leaving again.  Tortoise forgave them for their tempers, of course, and they too purchased victuals.

            Tortoise prayed one night that his meadow would be blessed in many surprising ways that would bring happiness to everyone’s heart.  Once again, the Lord was pleased with his faithful attitude and answered his prayer. 

            When horses first arrived and began grazing in the pasture, it seemed like a curse.  After all, many homes were trampled and much fodder was smashed.  So, Tortoise arranged a meeting to encourage the animals.  When it adjourned, their hearts were filled with joy; Tortoise had agreed to converse with the horses the very next day.

            When Tortoise explained his plight, the horses apologized and introduced themselves as Rosie and Ice.  They said that they would help Tortoise sow his seeds and would look carefully wherever they stepped.  Tortoise thanked them and spread the word to all his neighbors.  Then he praised God for turning what seemed like a horrid event into a great blessing.

            Tortoise was pleased and joyful in this wonderful time.  So were the other meadow creatures.  They thanked him for everything that he had done for them, honored him, and built him a new home.  This new home had two rooms, one for him and one for guests.   Tortoise was so grateful that he promised all the families free food for the next month.  To celebrate, Rosie and Ice gave the children rides around the meadow.  Everyone was on cloud nine!

            Tortoise’s story was a good example of what Romans 12:12 says to do.  Another verse that explains Tortoise’s behavior is 1^st Thessalonians 5:16-18, which says, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  As you can see, it pays off to be hopeful, patient and faithful. If you do everything you do to God’s glory, He will surely bless you with joy!

Written by Abby D.