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Taking Flight

The nest of swallows tucked under eaves of my office building was in transition last week. The four birds were various stages of leaving the safety of the daub brown nest for the wild blue yonder. The bravest fledgling had flown to a nearby tree. One was still firmly seated in the nest, watching two siblings inch their way from under the roof. Another took a test flight and came back, contemplating the next move. The other ledge-sitter dithered, not quite ready to take the leap. But, by the next morning the nest was empty. 

Each had overcome fears and uncertainties. The timing was a little different for each of them, one apparently fearless, while the others had a few issues leaving the familiar and secure. There was no future huddling in an overcrowded and undoubtedly smelly nest. The parents were ready for them to leave. It was time. The birds were meant to take wing.

We were were meant for flight too. Stepping out in faith, leaving the familiar behind, trusting God to lead us in a whole new life in Christ. Our decision to trust Jesus and receive forgiveness of our sins is really just the beginning. God has a grand adventure for us. It's not about riches, fame, or power. It's trusting that God tells the truth in His Word and us obeying that truth in how we live.  We do like the safety of old habits, comfortable sins, the familiar, refusing to step out with God. We prefer to be babies as the writer of Hebrews penned.
For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn't know how to do what is right. Hebrews 5:13 NLT.

God offers us a real life, but we must trust in Him alone just like Abraham, Daniel, Peter, and Paul. Who knows what God will do in our lives if we simply trust and obey. This new life is counter-cultural, with a totally different way of thinking. It's not popular. Daniel can affirm that as can many others.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

 The authentic Christian life is outlined in Romans 12. I encourage you to read that chapter in its entirety. It's a definitive passage on living by faith. It's not nest living, but soaring on the journey to where we really belong.

 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:16 NIV





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