When steps of faith look risky; fear not.

When steps of faith look impossible; lean hard.

When steps of faith grip your heart; yield completely.

If you’ve followed this series, you’re familiar with the theme of “It’s Time to FLY.”

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”  – Isaiah 40:31

Trusting in the Lord is our focus. But sometimes focus is our battle. What do you do when steps of faith are unclear?  At times, instead of soaring; I flap.

On Day 10, we studied the eagle’s flight pattern. We likened the warm air currents that lift him to the grace of God that lifts us. But it’s important to “let the wind” carry you.

When I flap, it is like there is no wind (or grace) at all.

Giving into my fears. Flap.

Avoiding my faults. Flap. Flap.

Walking by sight, more than faith. Flap, flap, flap, flap, flap.

All that flapping tells me it’s time to renew my mind. (see Romans 12:2)

In researching the eagle’s renewal process, I found many explanations. And yet, there was a common theme. About half-way through an eagle’s life, he goes into hiding and tears out its feathers, talons and beak.* It’s a gruesome yet necessary process.

But as the feathers, talons and beak regrow the eagle’s strength is renewed. Then he catches the warm air pattern and soars to new heights again.

When our steps of faith are unclear, we need a place and time to renew too. “Tearing out” fear, self-sufficiency and pride can be a painful process. But it can also be our pivot. Where we choose to go into hiding is crucial.

I know a Life-giving, restorative place. It’s in the presence of the Lord. We don’t have to flap our wings to get there, just rest in Him by faith. In His presence, we can be still and receive His grace. It is the only sure way to renew hope in the heart and joy to the soul.

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
    may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
    and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
    and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! – Psalm 103:1-5 NLT

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

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