We're here in Ponce, Puerto Rico in an iguana park surrounded by big lizards or small dinosaurs. Depends on how you look at it. These magnificent creatures are found mostly in Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Islands. Here's a few amazing facts about iguanas.
Iguana's come in a great spectrum of colors. They can be brown, green, blue and their skin will often work as camouflage allowing them to hide in the jungle. They're social creatures who like to eat together. What's really interesting, even though they looked fierce, iguanas are vegan vegetarians. They're regarded as popular pets though if they're not cared for, they can actually just stop eating and will themselves to die.
Typically, iguanas just lay eggs and they abandon their offspring. Those little iguanas have to fend for themselves from the time they were born. If they're attacked, they'll fight with their tail either punching or whipping their opponent. It's interesting to see a dog running for mercy after being whipped by an iguana. Also, to ensure a fast escape, they can detach their tail and later grow another one.
Iguanas generally like to live around water and they can swim away as escaping from predators. Green iguanas, in particular, are excellent swimmers. They have the ability to inflate themselves and swim incredible distances. This is one way they've been able to populate the different islands of the Caribbean. What's incredible is these creatures have lungs where they're able to hold their breaths for up to 28 minutes, putting even a crocodile to shame.
They also know how to compensate for when things get hot or cold. They can regulate their body temperature using the loose flaps of skin they have under their throats and under their legs. You might even say an iguana has ESP because God made them with a third eye on top of their head. They can't really see with it, but it's a photo receptor that helps them to regulate their body's circadian rhythms.
In the same way that God made iguanas, well, they're some of the toughest creatures in God's natural kingdom. Christians need to learn to be resilient in the spiritual realm. Through God's grace, we can learn to be great survivors. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9, "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed. We are perplexed, but not in despair. Persecuted, but not forsaken. Struck down, but not destroyed."
I think friends we all know sometimes life can be tough. We feel we're being beaten and pressed on every side. Sometimes it's health problems, relationship problems, financial reverses, but in the same way, God maybe iguana resilient, God can help you to bounce back. Jesus said that through His help, we can be overcomers and we are able to endure. If you turn to Him and ask Him for His help and His spirit, He will recreate you and make you even tougher than an iguana.
What did you like to ask Him now?
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