Goliath & The Chirping Bird

I was shocked! I was actually scared! I began to back away and the bird continued to come after me. He jumped from the ledge to the floor, and was determined to protect himself from this giant obstacle — me. I made quick, backward circles around a table trying to avoid the horrible “pecking” I was about to receive.

Moments later, as I gained my sanity, I started laughing at myself and the hysterical episode that had just occurred. Can you picture it — a 5’ 3” woman running from a 4” beady-eyed bird?

As I was catching my breath, I wondered if my “cool points” were forever gone. I thought the bird must be hurt; he wasn’t flying away! His chirping was becoming louder and louder! My nurturing self thought, “I need to help him. He must be in excruciating pain!”

Hurt?!! He was perfectly healthy.

This was his big day! He decided in that very moment he would face his fears. It was a David and Goliath battle in his tiny pea-sized brain, I’m sure. Fear or no fear he was determined to stand his ground and guard his territory. Off that ledge he flew, sending Goliath Sherri running!

That little bird had his day (at my expense of course) but he had faced his fears – Goliath Sherri. He had taken the necessary leap off the balcony, to change his fear into a positive experience. I on the other hand, had let the fear of a tiny bird make me run in circles unable to see the overall picture. Fear had blocked my vision (and my common sense).

I look back on this with laughter and realize even tiny fears can be a stumbling block to our accomplishments. We have the ability to choose change. We become comfortable in our current situations, good or bad; therefore we don’t want to move out of our comfort zone. God tells us many times to “fear not.” Why? Because He gives us the strength and courage to face our fears.

Devoted:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV.

Individual Insights & Instructions:
God requires that we trust Him and have faith in His plan for us. In what area(s) of your life do you need to commit to change, move out of your comfort zone, or be more obedient?

Prayer:
God, give me the strength to trust you and not try to do things my way. I know when I depend on you and let you direct my steps, that "life" is much easier to accomplish. Give me peace and obedience in accepting your plan for my life.