Average reading time is about 5 minutes
AN AMAZING FACT: Shrimp lay near the bottom of the marine food chain. But these little creatures have a strange habit that can teach us some important lessons. As shrimp mature, they outgrow their skins and need to molt. But every time a shrimp molts, it does something bizarre. It places a tiny piece of sand on its own head. This grain of sand is called a “statoscyst stone.” Without it, the shrimp has a difficult time knowing which way is up. The small tug of gravity from the sand particle helps the shrimp to know if it is right side up or upside down. The sand grain is crucial for the shrimp to maintain its equilibrium when tossed by the surging seas.
A marine biologist learned about this when he replaced the sand with metal filings in an aquarium. When the shrimp began to molt, they stuck a tiny piece of steel on their heads instead of the usual grain of sand. The biologist then placed a magnet at the top of the tank, and the shrimp flipped upside down. The pull of the magnet was stronger than the tug of gravity.
The scientist then took another shrimp and put it into the aquarium with a grain of sand on its head. This shrimp was the only one who swam right side up! The other inverted shrimp were probably thinking, “Look at that fanatic swimming upside down!”
Pharaoh of Egypt once had a dream. His wise men could not interpret the dream. He heard of Joseph and asked him to explain the dream. “So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, ‘It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.’” Joseph knew which direction to turn. When you find yourself needing to know which direction to swim, turn to the Lord in prayer. Study your Bible. These will be your “statoscyst stones” to lead you in the right way.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Genesis 41:39Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.
Genesis 41:40
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