We have wild turkey’s roaming around our new neighborhood. They are quite amusing to watch and beautiful when their tail feathers are all fanned out. However, if you watch them long enough, they just aren’t that bright.
I’ve seen them pace back and fourth before a fence for more than five minutes frantically trying to figure out how to get over it, as if they’ve forgotten they could fly. The other day one was in my driveway pecking at its reflection in the chrome bumper of my husband’s truck!
Some days I think I might act as foolish as those turkeys when it comes to living a life of faith over fear!
I will sit and pace before a roadblock like those turkeys do the fence. I’ll allow myself to become all stressed and full of anxiety – frozen to move forward, and forgetting the word of God which says,
“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
While other days I spend copious amounts of time simply fighting with myself, as though I’m arguing with a real person, about the seemingly endless reasons why I should stop now and not move forward – just like that foolish turkey at the bumper! Yet God says,
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
It doesn’t matter how many times those turkeys fly, in a panic they momentarily forget they have wings. And when they feel a threat, albeit their own reflection, they will fight against it in order to protect itself.
When I feel panicked, threatened, insecure, or doubtful, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve flown on Eagles wings. I will forget I can fly, and I will wrestle against myself to stay in the safe zone.
Yet God has made me wiser than the turkeys (praise the Lord), and I don’t have to be as foolish as they are! I can stand in the strength and faith of my Father and not bend a knee to panic or wrestle with fear!
How do I do that? T.R.U.S.T.
Talk to God: “The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them for all their troubles.” Psalm 34:17
Run to Shelter: “For you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalm 61:3
Understand His word: “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.” Proverbs 1:5
Sing a Praise: “I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart.” Psalm 34:1-2
Talk to God: “I prayed to the LORD and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
If you know Him you will trust Him, and when you trust Him you will do what you are afraid of!
TRUST trumps FEAR every time!
When you fear, trust gives you the courage to lean back and allow Him to free you – free you from your own captivity!
{NOW YOUR TURN} What area in life is God calling you to a new level of trust in? Are you walking it out in faith or walking it out like a turkey? 🙂