It’s day 10 of the “It’s Time to FLY” series. I’m excited about the next phase of our flight: Lean hard. Last week we left the No-FLY zone, and arrived at this conclusion: The sum of all fears is much less than the faithfulness of God.

The series scriptural focus (Isaiah 40:31) tells us, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar on wings like eagles.” As we prepare to lean hard, let’s take a short eagle tour.

Eagles have a large wing span but flapping takes a lot of energy. Instead of flapping, they soar by using thermal currents of air. The surrounding terrain creates warm air patterns that help propel their flight. However, eagles must spread their wings and tail feathers to let the wind carry them to new heights.*

Okay, the tour is over.

I’m no eagle, but I know what it’s like to rely on my strength alone. All that “flapping” depletes my energy until it leads to a ton of regret. However, the eagle’s thermal currents of air remind me of God’s grace. Through Christ, it is His provision to carry us to new heights.

I also notice as the eagle spreads their wings, they “let the wind carry them to new heights.”

Now, we’re going somewhere.

As you consider your life, what do you see around you? Our circumstances may be without appeal or applause; but in God’s flight plan, they are not without purpose. If we desire to “let the wind” of His grace carry us, we must consider our heart and our ways.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV

Now, I’m checking my lean.

The warm air pattern needed to lean into God’s grace is often created by the heated circumstances that create my desperate need for Him. If I lean on my understanding, I’m limited to my view and ability.

Self-leaning always leads to an uncontrolled dive. However, submitting all my ways to the Lord leads to a straight path. I’m choosing to lean on His grace. This weeks’ posts will explore what that looks like.

Together, let’s spread our wings. We’ll have to resist the temptation to flap. And when we do we’ll receive hope in the heart and joy to the soul.

*Source: http://www.prophetic.net/eagles.htm

Click here for more information on this series and the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!