Don't be a dumb bird.

Mr Cardinal came for a visit this morning! He saw the open door and let himself on in. As beautiful as he was, bright red in color, he was not a welcomed guest in our home. What a chore it was to get him out of here. It was very easy for him to come in but it was really hard getting him out. The poor guy was flying circles around my dining room looking for one of the windows to open all the while the same front door he entered upon remained open and in the same place as when he entered! 
He finally caught eye of my upper windows and with all he had, kept trying to get out those closed windows. Could he not see that 3ft below him was the way out. It was right there! Dumb bird!! We knew it and did everything we could...we gave him time to wear out banging his head against the window, we held out poles for him to get on which he did only to jump off repeatedly. 
Finally, we had to corner him and throw a towel on him and literally grab him and carry him out. On his own, he may have just died up there trying it his way, thinking he could get out what appeared an open window. We saved his life. Either he would die of starvation or head injury or my stalking kitty would have enjoyed a feast!

As always, you know there are lessons here. This is what I learned this morning:

1.) It's easy getting in (sin) but it's not as easy getting out.
2.) God is patient giving us the opportunity to explore the choice we've made to go through seemingly open windows.
3.) God is faithful to rescue us. There is a way to freedom. He knows the Way. He IS The Way to life!
4.) There are many windows. Don't panic and continue to be stubborn, banging your head upon each one in hopes it's gonna be right. You are hurting yourself. Stop and look for the open door.
5.) God is grieved watching you hurt yourself. Won't you stop flying circles and trying things your own way and trust Him. He wants you to have life, not death.
6.) God will grab you, not allowing more than you can bear. Sometimes it will be at the end of all you have. That's where He grabs you.
7.) God is good. He sees you and is waiting for you to settle down and trust Him.
8.) Accept help. Sometimes we need help.  

Did you go through a door you shouldn't have? Can't seem to find your way out? Rest assured, there is a way out. God sends rescue in many forms. The fingerprints of God are all around. If you are feverishly flying around banging your head, trying all you can to go the way that seems right, won't you stop and breath. Take a look around you. There is a way out. Trust the help that is being sent to you. Satan, the Deceiver, will put lots of "seems good enough" around you, but I challenge you to not settle but know with clarity The Way to rescue which leads to life! You are only hurting yourself and you will wear out. Be careful if you choose to be stiff-necked for the prowling lion is waiting for you to be weak. Be alert. Be smart. 

Don't be a dumb bird.

Thank you Mr Cardinal for reminding me to be smart!

" Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:13-17