The Worm and the Claw

God speaks in various ways. One of the most fascinating way He speaks to us is through sign and symbol. He speaks to us using sign and symbol because they act as parables--pictures that we seldom forget.

Friday, a week ago, the Men's Group asked the Lord for a Word for one of its members. As we waited on the Lord, one of the men shared an unusual picture he had just been given. The picture was that of the end of an earth worm that wiggled back and forth. The worm began to change, however, into a very sharp claw with a point that could tear through anything.

It was if the Lord was saying that this was what He was doing in this person's life. It was an unusual symbol and sometimes, unusual symbols create doubt where we wonder if we have actually heard from the Lord or just made this up. Two hours later, however, the Lord confirmed that this was His picture and His word.

At noon that same day, I was in the church. I noticed something that looked like a twig up by the sanctuary. As I got closer I realized that it was alive! Possibly a baby snake! As I drew closer I found that it was neither. It was an earth worm! We have been in our present building since 2003 and never has there been an earth worm in it to my knowledge until that day.

The following evening (Saturday night), one of the men from the Men's Group called me about the Scripture that I had sent out via the internet for Sunday. The Scripture was Isaiah 41:10, 13-14. This fellow was so excited because Isaiah 41:14 says, "Do not be afaid, O worm, Jacob....."
He then said, read Isaiah 41:15. "See, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth."

What are the odds of finding a worm on the same day of that vision? What are the odds that Sunday's scriptures would include a worm that turns into sharp threshing teeth? God speaks through sign and symbol. Everytime I see a worm or a sharp piece of metal from now on, guess what will now come to mind?