Bill Tell, Author at Lay it Down by Bill Tell

It is Wednesday evening. Most of you will read this in the next day or two. I heard a message tonight by Dr. Bob Smart on Deuteronomy 32:11 where God declares He is “like an eagle that stirs up its nest…” About six weeks after little eaglets are born, mama eagle kicks them out of the soft, comfortable and safe nest. Leaving the nest is risky…they need to do something they have never done before: fly!

It was a great message. I took a lot of notes. But I did not like it. Why? It was the third time this week I heard the message of risk…of flying.

The first was last Sunday. I had the privilege of attending Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. They are launching a movement called Rise. It the first phase of a decade-long plan to triple the body of Christ in New York City, to plant 87 new churches and train new leaders. The cost for phase one: $80 million! Lord – why do I think so small? Trust you for so little?

The next stirring of my nest came this past Monday at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL. Dr. Bryan Chapell, the senior pastor, was sharing on the vision of the church. They are launching the “Global Gospel Delivery” initiative to recharge their media ministry and have an international TV, radio and internet presence. They raised $2million for this. One church. Lord – why do I think so small? Trust you for so little?

And then tonight, God “is like an eagle that stirs up its nest.” Oh. Nuts. There is the message of risk again. Big risk. I don’t know what all this means, but my vision has been stirred. Lord, give me a vision for the flying that lies ahead…and help me trust you.

Those are the stirrings of my heart and I just wanted to pass them on to you. I’m wondering if God is stirring up your nest and what new flight path you might be trusting Him for. Whatever it might be, don’t do it to please God because He is already pleased with you. Do it because you love Him and the adventure He has you on.

Remember: