THE JOYFUL LIFE
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • HEART
      • Faith
      • Bible Study & Theology
      • Marriage
      • Motherhood
        • Motherhood (ALL)
        • Parenting Toddlers to Tweens
        • Parenting Teens
        • Parenting Adult Children
        • Raising Boys
        • Raising Girls
      • Divorce | Single Motherhood | Blended Families
      • Adoption & Foster Care
      • Infertility & Miscarriage
      • Friendship & Community
    • HOME
      • DIY Projects
      • Family & Home Management
      • Fun for Kids
      • Homemaking
      • Homeschool
      • Hospitality
      • Recipes
    • LIFE ISSUES
      • Anxiety
      • Difficult Family Dynamics
      • Emotions
      • Health
      • Identity & Purpose
      • Loss | Suffering | Grief
      • Work & Life Balance
    • REVIEWS
      • App Reviews
      • Book Reviews
      • Product Reviews
    • FEATURED INTERVIEWS
    • SEASONAL & HOLIDAY
  • Daily Devotions
  • About
    • Meet the Team
      • Management & Staff
      • Editorial Team
      • Blog Contributors
      • Devotion Writers
      • Photographers
    • Statement of Faith
  • Work with Us
    • Write for Us
    • Advertise
    • Employment
  • Contact
  • account
The Joyful Life News
Sign up to receive Joyful Life Community news, weekly blog post updates, shop announcements, and more.
A QUARTERLY COLLECTIBLE | Heart & Home Inspiration
THE JOYFUL LIFE
  • Home
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • HEART
      • Faith
      • Bible Study & Theology
      • Marriage
      • Motherhood
        • Motherhood (ALL)
        • Parenting Toddlers to Tweens
        • Parenting Teens
        • Parenting Adult Children
        • Raising Boys
        • Raising Girls
      • Divorce | Single Motherhood | Blended Families
      • Adoption & Foster Care
      • Infertility & Miscarriage
      • Friendship & Community
    • HOME
      • DIY Projects
      • Family & Home Management
      • Fun for Kids
      • Homemaking
      • Homeschool
      • Hospitality
      • Recipes
    • LIFE ISSUES
      • Anxiety
      • Difficult Family Dynamics
      • Emotions
      • Health
      • Identity & Purpose
      • Loss | Suffering | Grief
      • Work & Life Balance
    • REVIEWS
      • App Reviews
      • Book Reviews
      • Product Reviews
    • FEATURED INTERVIEWS
    • SEASONAL & HOLIDAY
  • Daily Devotions
  • About
    • Meet the Team
      • Management & Staff
      • Editorial Team
      • Blog Contributors
      • Devotion Writers
      • Photographers
    • Statement of Faith
  • Work with Us
    • Write for Us
    • Advertise
    • Employment
  • Contact
  • account
0

Leaving the Mountain

  • Vicki Bentley
  • July 19, 2022
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

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.

0
0
0
0
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print
Vicki Bentley

A Scottish native, Vicki now calls Upstate New York home, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. A writer turned editor, she loves to encourage women to pursue Jesus-centered, joy-filled living in the gloriously hard and wonderful trenches of motherhood. Being part of the Joyful Life team and community is both a blessing and a privilege, providing an opportunity for her to combine her gifts and passions in a unique and special way to speak truth into the hearts and lives of women. In her ‘free’ time Vicki loves to consume books and strong coffee, and get outdoors to enjoy the very varied, yet consistently beautiful seasons of the Northeast. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, or on her website.

2 comments
  1. Linda Juarez Smith says:
    July 19, 2022 at 8:33 am

    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.

    Reply
    1. Vicki Bentley says:
      July 19, 2022 at 6:32 pm

      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!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

TRENDING POSTS
  • Dwell bible app 1
    Why You Need This App! The Amazing Dwell Audio Bible Now Has a Kids’ Version!
  • benefits of memorizing scripture 2
    Benefits of Memorizing Scripture and 5 Easy Methods to Help You Get Started
  • childrens book about family 3
    Leapin’ Leopards Book Review: New Childrens Book About Family Adventure!
VISIT OUR SHOP
  • Issue 10 | CREATE — Digital Version $14.00
  • Issue 01 | ABIDE — Digital Version $14.00
  • HOPE, OUR ANCHOR | Digital Bible Study $12.00
Follow Us on Instagram
The Joyful Life News
Sign up to receive Joyful Life Community news, weekly blog post updates, shop announcements, and exclusive offers for our subscribers.

AMAZON AFFILIATE PROGRAM DISCLAIMER | The Joyful Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Every purchase you make through our Amazon affiliate links supports our ministry at no additional cost to you.

  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • WRITE FOR US
  • EMPLOYMENT
  • ADVERTISE
  • Terms
  • ACCOUNT
  • Contact
© 2022 The Joyful Life Co., LLC
Site Design by Maize Agency

Input your search keywords and press Enter.