I watched as, one by one, the now-grown baby birds we had once watched hesitantly emerge from the confines of their eggs, confidently exited the nest. Itching to breach the boundaries of their humble abode, they were ready for the next adventure in the wide open expanse of the world beyond.
All except one.
Cozily cocooned, this one wanted nothing more than to stay indefinitely in the comfort and safety of the familiar. Yet Mama bird could see the reluctance of her rogue chick plainly, and there was nothing for it but a firm nudge with her beak to get it moving on its journey.
I think we can all empathize with that little bird one way or another. Our ‘nests’ may not be literal, but how many of us have camped out in a place, relationship, job, or even an entire season of life for way too long, unwilling to take the step of faith needed to walk into the future possibilities God has planned for us?
The Israelites, too, faced this scenario, camping at Mount Sinai until God told them in no uncertain terms in Deuteronomy 1:6: “You have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is time to break camp and move on” (NLT).
Their onward journey into enemy territory was arduous and full of dangers. It’s little wonder they were reluctant to move from the safety and familiarity of their camp. But God had promised to go before them and walk with them—all the way to the Promised Land. By choosing to remain where they were—safe but stuck—they risked missing out on an even greater blessing.
“You have stayed at this mountain long enough.”
I wonder if someone needs to hear this message anew today? Whatever your “mountain” may be, I pray you would have the courage to follow the Spirit’s firm nudge and move on to the next stage of this glorious faith journey God has mapped out for you. The terrain may be unfamiliar and challenging but, just like the Israelites, I pray you would stand in His promise that, “Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you” (Joshua 1:5).
Ecclesiastes 3:3 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven… a right time to hold on and another to let go…” (The Message Translation). Your Promised Land may be just around the corner, friend. Be sure you don’t miss out by clinging stubbornly to a flimsy second-rate nest.
2 comments
I needed this challenge in my life back when I was working. I stayed in an uncomfortable job way too long. I didn’t trust that God lead me to a better place. Now I am retired and have turned into the hermit I always told my friends I would become. It is time for me to take that nudge from God to step out of my comfortable spot and meet new friends.
Thank you so much for sharing a little of your story Linda. I’m humbled this devotion touched your heart and I pray you act in obedience on the Spirit’s nudging to step out of your comfort zone in this new season. Much love!