On Your Wings and A Prayer

    If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; thought 

    he Stumble, he will not fall.                                       Psalm 37:23-24

                        Fledge (verb) 1. Of a bird: to acquire

                            the feathers necessary for flight

    Perhaps it's been a couple of decades, or maybe only a couple years, since you officially left the nest." Your destination may have been in college, have a job, or marriage. If your parents were Like most, they no doubt were excited, sad, and terrified all at the same time all the prospect of your leaving their protective care. Biologist can relate to those parental feelings, especially when it comes to peregrine falcons. In this day and age, they are as likely to build their nests on bridges and skyscrapers as on cliffs. When a falcon chick "Fledge" in an urban area, they have less room to take practice flight and so their first official flight is sometimes their last. Wires, windows, streets, and sidewalks can be unforgiving landing pads. To a biologist whose job it is to track these wonderful birds, each lost chick is a devasting blow. However, the chicks will die if they don't attempt to their first flight, and eventually  that would mean extinction for the falcons. Risk holds the possibility if failure, but not to risk would mean certain death. we humans often spend years preparing ourselves for the future, earning degrees, practicing our craft, seeking out opportunity. And our chances. But eventually the day comes when we have to face the world, Including the possiblity for failure. The thought that we may not succeed at our chosen endeavor this shouldn't keep us from spreading our wings, not only this our own Future At stake, but from a much broader perspective, the future growth and development of the human race is involved. our contribution, even if small, is part of a much greater whole. I read the story of Joseph his last request. (Hebrew 11:22). By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instruction concerning his bones.

   Have you ever wondered why Joseph took the time on his deathbed to talk about his bone? To understand Joseph's unusual last request, we must go back to his circumstance. Although he had spent many year under the influence of Egyptian culture, he knew that Egypt was not his home. He didn't want to be buried there. By faith he dreamed of going with the children of Isreal when they entered into the Promised Land 

   Do you have the same awareness that Joseph had about his true home? It can be easy to grow comfortable with the way life works here on earth. Day to day avtivities can fill your calendar to the point that you forget to look at life with an eternal perspectives. Like Joseph, do you have an eye on your heavenly home?

   Joseph's bones were carried out of Egypt, and buried in the plot of land that belonged to his inheritance. We too are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. The promise Land for us is yet to come.

    As Christian, we must live adventures in faith for ourselves and to further the kingdom of God. However, as children of God, we may falter momentarily but God assures us of ultimate victory. If you stumble or make a mistake today, remember who is there to set you back on your feet and get you going again. God had a wonderful exciting plan for your life ( see Jeremiah 29:11) and as long as you follow Him, there is nothing you can do to mess it up!