It's a stage show that's inspiring, educational, downright amusing at times, and absolutely free of charge! What is it? Nature. Or, in God's words, "the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the beasts...and every thing that creeps upon the earth." Genesis 1:28 We're usually too preoccupied to be amused or awed by it very often, but this "show" goes on around the clock!

I've enjoyed a little bit of this entertainment and inspiration through the years, courtesy of our fine feathered friends. Their mating ritual is comical and quite strange to say the least, their ability to weave hundreds of tiny sticks together until they mold that perfectly shaped nest is rather impressive, and their diligence in protecting and caring for their young is outstanding; but it's the feeding of their newborns, which recently amused and inspired me. Every time a parent bird lit on the edge of the nest, every baby in it threw its spike-haired little head back, chirping at the top of its lungs - with a beak bigger than its body - "Mine! Mine! Mine!" They opened their mouths so wide you would have thought they were getting T-bone steak for supper instead of that wiry little worm Momma had found in the bushes. In due time, each one stood on its scrawny legs, hopped out of its nest, learned to fly, and, of course, began to scratch around in the bushes for its own supper. God in His great goodness made sure provisions were there, but Momma wasn't bringing home the groceries anymore, if you know what I mean. It was time to get it for themselves.

Now, the educational and entertaining factor of this story is easy to see, but what about its inspirational aspect? Here's what God said to me: Many times we as Believers sit around in our comfortable nests looking at each other - under the disguise of living by faith - waiting for God to "bring home the groceries" so to speak. As babes in Christ, it's not uncommon for God to practically lay provisions in our lap (from physical to spiritual bread) but growth and maturity are expected. Therefore, God eventually begins to prod us from our comfort zones - pushing us to venture out of the nest, learn to fly, and scratch around in the bushes for our own supper. He has made sure that the provisions are there, but He's not going to spoon-feed us our entire life. God is in the business of equipping and empowering His children to stand, conquer, and endure! His aim is to produce an active faith within us that will use its own two legs to move toward His provision and its own two hands to reach for it. For God to lay it all at our feet requires no faith, maturity, or accountability on our part. Our participation in the acquisition of the provision doesn't make it any less miraculous. God still does something absolutely God-sized! He simply chooses to include us.

For example, when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream and prophesied 7 years of plenty followed by 7 years of famine, Pharaoh placed him in charge of storing enough grain during the good times that no one would starve to death during the lean years. As a result, there was enough grain for all those in need throughout the duration of the famine. There was only one stipulation - you had to go to Egypt and get it for yourself. Meanwhile, back in Canaan, Joseph's brothers discussed the severity of the famine and grew more concerned and hungry by the minute! Dad interrupted them with these words: "Why in the world are you sitting around here just looking at one another? I've heard that there is grain in Egypt. How about getting down there to buy some for us so we will live and not die." Genesis 42:1-2 How about it, indeed! By the Word of God through the hand of Joseph, provisions were waiting. The brothers could stay at home and starve without them, or they could go to Egypt and live. Thankfully, they chose to leave their comfortable homes, travel the distance, and acquire the provision God had laid aside. Now, did their acquisition of the provision or Joseph's leadership and foresight make this event any less miraculous? Of course not! Having plenty to feed thousands throughout a seven year famine is a God-sized wonder!

David is also an example of this truth. There was a remarkable destiny awaiting this shepherd boy, but there was a giant to defeat first. What would he do? Remember, God has the provision - whether it's a worm in the bushes, grain for famine, or victory over a giant. David stepped away from his sheepfold, believed God, picked up 5 smooth stones for the sling he held in his hand, and made his way toward Goliath. I Samuel 17 The very first rock David fired hit the only vulnerable spot on Goliath. The giant fell immediately to the ground, and a shout of triumph rang out among the Israelites! The victory was David's, but, make no mistake about it; the miracle was completely and absolutely God! God called on David to put his faith into action. Had he not reached for the stones and aimed for the giant, David's life would have never expanded beyond the sheepfold. He would have always been a shepherd boy tending a flock of sheep. Instead, he believed, he reached, and he "flew," becoming the King and sweet psalmist of Israel - the ancestry from which Jesus, the Son of David, was born!

So then, the question becomes, are you going to stay in the nest waiting for God to bring home the groceries, or are you going to spread your wings and fly? Are you expecting someone else to spoon feed you the Word, the higher paying job, or the better circumstances your entire life; or are you ready to move on? Believe God. Hop out of the nest. Get out of the cradle. Put feet to your faith. Reach for the provisions He has laid aside for you, and become the mighty man or woman of God He created YOU to be!