Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

We all enjoy it when life goes our way. Our family is happy, our business is strong, and everything is on schedule. However, we don’t grow when everything goes our way; we grow when we have to stretch when we’re uncomfortable, nervous, and unsure of how things will work out. Sometimes, God will shake things up. He’ll take us out of what’s familiar, remove a friend we counted on, or put us in a position where we’re in over our heads. My family is currently in one of these seasons, dealing with lawyers and a construction defect in a new home we purchased. We are beyond stretched and praying like we’ve never prayed before. It’s uncomfortable, and we don’t like it, but God uses these scary places to move us into our destiny. Despite what we are dealing with, we are grateful to have a home, food, power, and water. Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in our area. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims. The destruction really puts things into perspective, minimizing our first-world problems.

Life can be challenging, and the future that God has in store for you may seem intimidating. You may have dreams more extensive than you can achieve alone and face insurmountable obstacles. When unfavorable events occur, we often blame the enemy, but sometimes, it’s part of God’s plan at work. If God has allowed it, you have what it takes to overcome it. God has already equipped and empowered you.

It’s okay to feel fear, but we must act despite it because God may be preparing us for something greater. If we could accomplish everything on our own, we wouldn’t need faith. I heard a song called “Daydream” on America’s Got Talent a few years ago, and the lyrics say: “We all got these big ideas. One day, they’re replaced with fears. How did we get here? Darlin’, don’t quit your daydream. It’s your life that you’re making. It ain’t big enough if it doesn’t scare the hell out of you. If it makes you nervous, it’s probably worth it…” This is so true!!! Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2YuQDG6WEU&list=RDQ2YuQDG6WEU&index=1

When a mother eagle has baby eaglets, she makes a comfortable nest cushioned with grass, leaves, and soft branches. The eaglets are well cared for during the first part of their lives. They open their beaks when hungry, and the mother drops food in. They don’t have to worry about protection from animals because the mother has them high on the side of a cliff, out of reach, and is constantly watching over them. However, after a few months, the mother removes the soft cushion from the nest, the very things that made it so comfortable. Now when the eaglets sit, they feel the branches and the sticks poking them. They don’t like it, so they get out and spend more time on the rocks. They think they’re just playing together, but they’re developing their muscles for what lies ahead.

When the mother knows they’re strong enough, she’ll push a baby eaglet out of the nest off the cliff. The eaglet starts falling, but the mother swoops and grabs it just as it is about to hit the ground. The mother takes the baby back and puts it in the nest. When the eaglet thinks it’s comfortable, she pushes it out again. This time, when the eaglet falls, it flaps its wings to gain balance. It’s not thinking about flying and doesn’t know what the wings are for. It’s just trying to break the fall and naturally begins moving its wings. After a few more times, the little eaglet finally discovers its wings and starts flying, and before long, it’s soaring through the sky.

The eaglet’s nest was a blessing for a time. It was necessary, but at a certain point, the nest would no longer be a blessing; it would become a hindrance. The eaglet can’t develop its wings in the nest. If the mother didn’t push it out, it wouldn’t survive. And sometimes the nest we’re in is too comfortable. As much as we like it, it’s limiting our growth. We’re content; we want the protection, the provision, and being taken care of. The problem is that you’ll never develop your wings in the nest; you won’t reach your potential without stretching, trying new things, and developing new muscles.

Scripture says, “As the eagle stirs the nest, so God will stir us.” We may not like the stirring, but sometimes, that’s how God works in our lives. In the scary places, you will discover things you never knew you had, like talent, strength, wisdom, and determination that you would have never known if you had stayed in the nest. The scary places are uncomfortable, but God is with you like the mother eagle. You may have things coming against you now that you don’t understand. It’s painful, but you will discover your wings if you stay in faith.

The question is: how do we handle scary times? It’s easy to get discouraged and ask, “God, why did You let this happen? Why did I lose a loved one? Why did my business go down? Why did this friend betray me?” Sometimes, when God stirs the nest, it doesn’t make sense. The right attitude is to say, “God, I don’t understand this, but I trust you. I know you are still on the throne, and I’m not going to live bitter, upset, and complaining because my plans didn’t work out. I know Your plans for me are for good.” I would have never discovered my wings had God not pushed me out of the nest. There will be times when God shakes things up. You may feel overwhelmed and wonder what is happening, but God is about to take you to a new level.

Looking back over my life, I realize that I discovered new gifts and became more confident when I had to stretch and was uncomfortable. You wouldn’t be who you are without going through the scary places. That’s where you developed your wings; that’s where you discovered what you were made of.

It’s easy to play it safe all the time or to stay in the nest because we think it’s dangerous to get out. The truth is, it’s more dangerous to remain in the nest. The baby eaglet would never discover its wings if it stayed in the nest. Even though it was comfortable, it would die in the nest. My challenge to you is: Don’t become so comfortable in your nest that you don’t discover your wings or don’t take any risks. You have to go after what God put in your heart. “Well, Jeff, “I’m afraid.” You’re supposed to be afraid. If you weren’t scared, it wouldn’t be your destiny. What God has for you is too big to accomplish on your own. There is a destiny in you waiting to be released.

Sometimes, God pushes us out; other times, we must decide for ourselves. God told the prophet Elijah to anoint a young man named Elisha as his successor. When Elijah saw Elisha plowing in the field, he threw his mantle on him, asking him to come with him. Elisha had a job in the family business and a bright future there. However, when he saw Elijah, something came alive in his spirit. Even though it was scary, he knew he was supposed to walk away from the familiar into the unknown. What God has in your future might scare you, but if you take a step of faith, you’ll see how God can scare you into greatness, into levels you’ve never dreamed of, and into taking new ground. If it doesn’t scare you, you aren’t dreaming big enough!

Elisha broke up the plow, burned it, killed the ox, and cooked the meat. He said, “I’m done going around in circles. I refuse to settle for mediocrity. I won’t spend the rest of my life plowing this field. I have greatness within me. Life is too short to settle for less than my destiny.” Don’t stay in a job where you’re not challenged. Don’t stay in a field that doesn’t bring you joy or passion. You weren’t made to spend the next 20 years doing something unfulfilling. Look for new opportunities, stretch yourself, grow, take courses, and learn. Do your part, and God will send the right opportunity your way. You’ll know it’s your purpose when it scares and excites you.

The enemy would love to convince you to stay in the nest, intimidated and afraid, so your potential is never released. You have to leave the safety zone and enter the faith zone. You cannot play it safe and become all you were created to be. When you know that God has placed something in your heart, and you’re excited about it, constantly thinking about it, and waking up in the morning with it on your mind, it’s time to take a risk. Nothing is more disheartening than reaching the end of your life and wondering what you could have achieved if only you had taken some risks. Stepping into the unknown is part of having faith. The reassuring news is that God is present in the most daunting situations. That’s where He will reveal Himself in your life, where you will discover your potential, and where He will take you beyond your wildest dreams.

Are you allowing fear to hold you back? Perhaps you have missed some opportunities or think you’ve lost your chance. This is your time, your moment, and your destiny is calling. Step into the scary places – where God is, where you’ll experience His favor, and where doors will open for you that you couldn’t open on your own. That’s where your hidden gifts will emerge. Greatness is waiting for you in the scary places.

Perhaps you have experienced a loss or disappointment, which has left you feeling depleted and without passion. You may feel like you’re falling from the nest or just going through the motions without any excitement to look forward to. I want you to know that God has helped me, and He will also help you. What you have lost is not the end but a new beginning. God wastes nothing we go through. He will bring beauty out of the ashes, and you have yet to see your best days. God will surprise you with new opportunities and amazing things that may seem too good to be true.

God wants you to dream, love, laugh, and believe again, especially in times of uncertainty. You may feel fear, but don’t let comfort keep you from your calling. When you leave the unfamiliar and step into the unknown, God will bring greatness out of you. You’re about to discover your wings, soar to heights you’ve never imagined, overcome obstacles that look insurmountable, and reach the fullness of your destiny. I hope that speaks to you, and I pray you have a blessed day!