Exercising Eaglet Faith

Okay, so I've had this topic on my heart since the first week in June, and I'm finally taking time to share it! I was doing the Bible study, On Mission with God: Living God's Purpose for HIS Glory, by Henry Blackaby and Avery T. Willis, Jr. Well, I learned a lot as I went through the chapter on Moses. They used an eagle illustration to describe what God did with the Israelites, and I realized that God is still working through the same process and has done so at least 2 times in my life in recent years. Let me explain (all quotes are taken from the above mentioned study pgs. 70-73):

#1: God stirs up our nest to get us on HIS agenda. We've all heard that when an eagle prepares its nest, it searches for a crevice or ledge where other wild animals cannot get to their eggs/eaglets. The momma eagle creates a large, comfortable nest for her babies lining it with feathers, fabric, and other soft items. As babies, those eaglets are safe. However, that momma eagle knows that those babies were not born to veg out in that nest forever. To encourage those eaglets to get ready to fly, the eagle strips the nest of all the soft comfort until they are left resting on sticks, bones, and other hard, sharp objects. Of course those eaglets begin to cry out and complain. Israel had been in the best part of Egypt for 400 years when the LORD decided to stir their nest and create some discomfort by letting them fall captive to Pharaoh. God knew that they were meant for something better---the Promised Land. Yet HE had to get their attention in order that they would cry out to HIM. "When you get stuck in one of the stages of development, one of God's ways is to make you uncomfortable by stirring your nest, readying you for the next move...God is stirring HIS people all over the world to join HIM on mission (p. 70)."

#2: God demonstrates HIS power by hovering over us. After the momma causes the babies to squirm, she hovers over them with her wings spread to show how big she is and to let them know that she is still in control---no need to worry. The LORD showed Israel (and surrounding nations) HIS power through the 10 plagues. "After God stirs your nest, HE hovers over you, showing you HE's all you need...HIS hovering is not to make you feel comfortable but to cause you to believe HIM for the next thing HE wants to do in your life (p. 71)."

#3: God leads you to take the next step on mission with HIM by bearing you on HIS wings and then shaking you off. The eagle extends her wing to the edge of the nest inviting her eaglets to leave the nest and hop on in order to take flight. If they remain in the briars, she beats them with her wings until they step out. The babies must feel as if their mother has turned against them. Once the eaglets are on her wings, she plunges off the cliff and begins to fly to their enjoyment. They finally catch a glimpse of their purpose in life. Momma takes them back to the pokey nest, and immediately they jump back on her wing. As the eagle takes flight again, she allows the eaglets to feel comfortable and then shakes them off mid-flight. Some instinctively begin to fly, while others begin to freefall. The protective mother catches those who aren't natural soarers and begins the process again. "Sometimes God has to let you get beaten by circumstances until you say, 'I'll take anything but this.' At that point you get on [HIS] wing p. 71.) To fulfill the purpose for which HE created you, HE puts you in a faith-creating situation [shakes you off HIS wing or brings you to the edge of the cliff]. When the Hebrews flew by faith, HE repeatedly demonstrated that HE was sufficient (p. 72)."

"As HE did with Israel, God brings HIS people to a decision point. He brings you to the place where you must choose about exercising faith---stepping out on a limb that you don't know will hold you up. But the end of the limb is where the fruit is. In stepping out in faith, you find that God provides wings of faith. You begin to fly and fulfill the glorious purpose for which God has designed you (p. 73)."

Let me just say that God has definitely added some elements of discomfort into my areas of comfort over the last few years. HE's brought me to several decision points, many of which were uncomfortable and frightening. However, in putting those decisions in front of me and requiring me to step out in obedience and exercise the faith that I so easily "talked" about having, HE has proved HIMSELF to be faithful beyond measure. HE has provided me with the wing support and enabled me to boldly walk out on faith. In the process, HE has allowed me to realize a little more of what it means to live for and walk with Christ. HE has also gently reminded me that HE has more planned for my life than comfortable living in the knowledge of being a sinner saved by grace. HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

Let us wait on HIM to prompt our next faith exercise with the strength of HIS inviting wing. Then, let us boldly step on realizing the greatness and power of our GOD and look for the next thing HE has planned for us for HIS glory. May we always be moving forward on our journey with Christ and not remain captive slaves to the things/comforts of our lives---our habits and routines, our good deeds, etc...

Be encouraged, and be blessed!

"Those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31