"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."
~ Isaiah 40:28-31 (HCSB)
As I was sitting at the hair dressers one day, a lady told me of a time her and her husband saw a birds nest in their bush; just outside their screened in porch. They would sit each day and enjoy the wonders of nature as the baby birds hatched and developed. She told me that when the day came for the baby chicks to learn to fly, they had to have lessons. The mama bird took the chicks to a branch of the bush and encouraged them to fly off. She and her husband watched as one by one they would fly down to the ground. Only, she said, there was one that didn't want to take the challenge. The next day the mama bird walked the timid baby chick along the fence behind the bush. She told me, "I couldn't believe my eyes! Was the mama going to nudged her scared baby bird off the high fence? Why would she do that when the others only had a to tackle the feat from the bush?" She began to explain the horror of waiting to see if the chick was going to make it or not. Sure enough the little bird flew down safely to the ground. Maybe the mama knew that the timid chick needed the height of the fence in order not to result in injury or death.
When I heard this story, I couldn't help but think of my own struggle of obedience. It's similar to when I find myself not obeying God the first time, then to find out it was harder to obey later. Sometimes, He has to nudge me. God has given us everything we need to do His will but all we see sometimes is what looks like an impending fall.
When the Israelites were delivered out of Egypt they had to take a leap of faith. Even though they were enslaved, it was their home and all they knew. To leave and go to an unknown land must have been difficult. Take a look at Moses encouragement to them in Deuteronomy 32:11, "He watches over His nest like an eagle and hovers over His young; He spreads His wings, catches him, and lifts him up on His pinions (HCSB)." Even though they had nothing, God provided and took care of His children. He knew what was needed for them to survive.
Are you struggling with having to let go and take a leap of faith? Maybe God is calling you to missions; a new city; a new job; a new ministry; a walk next door to share the love of Jesus. Whatever the case may be, He already sees the height you need to soar for his glory and will. He is watching over you and gives you exactly what you need, because he cares for you. Live in obedience by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 2:19-20 says, "... I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (HCSB)."
Let go and Jump!
"Dear Jesus, thank you for giving me strength and protection. I want to soar like eagles wings for your glory. I let go and follow you in obedience by faith to..."
© Carol Outhous Jones 2014
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