Theme Scripture: Isaiah 40:28 - 31
Once upon a time, a naturalist visited a friend of his. During his visit, he observed a group of birds pecking in the dust for food, and using their feet to scratch in the sand. Pecking and scratching are not unusual patterns of behaviour for chickens. Yet the naturalist stared in disbelief at the group of birds. Upon noticing the look on the naturalist's face, the host wondered what he found so shocking. "Look at that!" exclaimed the naturalist. "What?" asked his friend. "Isn't that an eagle pecking and scratching in the dust with those chickens?" asked the naturalist. "Well, yes. But it is no longer an eagle, it is a chicken - just like the whole pack. It used to be an eagle, but with training based on dwelling with chickens, it has successfully been denatured. Even though it still retain the outward appearance of an eagle, inside it is now a chicken," replied the host. The naturalist was quick to reply, "I DON"T BELIEVE IT! How could you?! An eagle is created with an aquiline nature and it stays that way not because anybody deemed it fit but because that is the way it is meant to be. An eagle does not peck and scratch in the dust, it flies in the sky and soar at the zenith. It's a predator, and not a prey. Do you realize that those chicks are preys that eagles devour?" "Thanks for the lecture but I think I've made my point," replied the host. "No, actually I don't think you are getting my point," replied the naturalist, "All you need do is give me a chance to prove it. Let me have the eagle, and watch me set it free. It's been derailed long enough. Watch and I'll get back on its natural track." "There is nothing you can do, my friend," said the host, "what's done can not be undone." "Just give me a chance to prove you wrong, sir," the naturalist insisted. "Go ahead, suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you. 'Cause you are embarking on a mission that is destined to fail. But then, you get your chance. So, the naturalist took the eagle outside the house. He held it high up with both hands and said, "Common birdie, fly, fly away." But the eagle would not fly away as expected. The denatured bird looked around, and sensed the same old environment that contributed to its current state of being. The rest was predictable. It simply alighted from the hands of the naturalist and settle on the ground. Soon, it was back pecking and scratching with the chickens. Even though the naturalist found this both appalling and pathetic, the host felt a sense of victory as he made his guest and the eagle subjects of derision. But the naturalist was not about to give up. If at first you don't succeed, try again. This time, he took the eagle to the roof, and asked it to fly away. The eagle hesitated for a moment. Then it looked down and saw the chickens pecking and scratching. If flew quite alright. It flew right back to rejoin the chickens. "Told you so, didn't I," mocked the host. "I'm not done yet," replied the naturalist, "give me just one more chance." This time, quite early in the morning, the naturalist took the eagle and embarked on a journey that took him to the outskirts of the town. When he got to the outskirts of the town, he, along with the eagle, moved further up the mountains. Up in the mountains, he had his back turned to the direction of the town as he held the eagle high in the air. He turned its direction to the beautiful blue sky and the horizon that dominated the scenery. Bright orange colour was smeared along the horizon as the sun emerged to herald the dawn of a new day. The atmosphere was filled with fresh air and gentle breeze. The splendour and power of nature constituted the perceptiong of the bird. The eagle moved its head from side to side as if it was expecting to find some stimulus of pecking and scratching. But none was available. It moved its head from side to side as if it was allowing the negative effect of years of brainwash to wear off. It stared and blinked, and moved its head from side to side as if it was giving the aquiline nature and instincts enough time to be revived. How exhilirating the feeling of revival was. In an ecstacy of delight, the eagle let out a a loud screech. The mountains echoed as it screeched, and the screech echoed through the surrounding area. In a final expression of revival, it stretched forth its powerful wings and fly out of the naturalist's hands. It continued screeching as it flew towards the directions of the sun. With each distance covered in th air, it soared higher and higher. The eagle is back! The aquiline nature had been restored! The eagle was soaring where it belongs - great heights! How excited the naturalist was! Mission accomplished. He heaved a sigh of relief. And why not? Even though all along he had been a subject of derision, he had the last laugh. The naturalist wanted to see the eagle fly. And flew it did. It flew away and was never seen again.
The eagle is the king of birds. Eagles soar in the heights not on the ground. Remember, the LORD called Esau a man of dust and, you know, Satan (the serpent) feeds on dust, that is, carnal / sinful things, desire / lust of the flesh (I John 2:15-17)
The eagle flies with minimum effort. It waits and perceive the blowing of the wind and dive into it to be taken on. Likewise the eagle children of the Most High God they wait for the moving / leading / inspiration of the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) and move on. (Luke 4:1,14,32. Isaiah 61:1-4)
The moment you give your life to Christ (born-anew / born-again / born of the Spirit), that day God planted a seed of greatness in you. At times, He may ordain it that "for this same purpose have I brought you up, to show My power in you and declare My name throughout the earth." Then, like an eagle, He wants you to soar high and high. But amazingly a lot of eagle children of the body of Christ are behaving like chickens. Thinks, act, and respond like chickens. Some sort of spiritual psychological arrest, no thanks to Satan. But thank God, the Ace Naturalist, through the person of His Son Jesu and by the power of the Holy Spirit, the much needed breakthrough is sure and guaranteed regardless of all the ploys of Satan.
Ploys Of The Devil: Be On The Lookout!
Sins that quenches the Spirit of God in you. It may not necessarily be the big sins but the 'small' ones. Romans 1:29-31. Songs of Solomon 2:15
Self-will / self-confidence: Relying on your own understanding, wisdom, professionalism, expertise. Peter denied Jesus despite all his boastings and zeal because even though he had pure intentions, but he lean on his own power and understanding. He ended up denying Jesus not once, or twice but thrice. Rely more on God's strength via His Spirit. Matthew 26:33-35, 41.
Too busy to pray / fast / read the Bible / hear the word (or voice) of God / doing the will of God.
Societal pressure: society / generation trends / vogues / "in-things" begin to dictate the trend of one's life e.g choice of words, conduct and behaviour; perspective or general belief about sex-related issues; cultural / traditional trends that often encourages you to do things contrary to the will of God. Let societal / generation trend / cultural / traditional beliefs tend you towards God and His will and NOT away from Him and His will. Romans 8:35-39.
God's Moves: Sure Breakthrough!
His grace. II Corinthians 12:9. "Not by power nor by might but by Mine Spirit, says the LORD. Zechariah 4:6-7. Rebuke the devil in Jesus name. Zechariah 3:2-5. Reflect / meditate / pray about the content of Romans 8 in relation to your christian life. "And the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing (of the Holy Spirit)" Consistently ask God for new and fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit. The effect is refreshing; ensures the fulfilment of His promises in your life; will not wither; enables you to hear clearly / distinctly from God; you're filled with life and strengthened from above. "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me." You can then fulfill your ministry with minimum human effort and yet with great / amazing results. As with Peter, the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak," remember Jesus said, "the Spirit quickens but the flesh is has no profit." Divine intervention yields great result. Get God involve in every area of your life. No exception. All areas of decision-making. You'll be glad you did. Absolutely no regrets.
God bless.
Yours Adekunle O. Majek' H I A F E M Of impact, quality and excellence That's the Spirit!
P.S. I believe that the LORD has used this piece to bless you. Why not share it with others.
To return to HIAFEM HomePage, click here.
|