TRUST IN GOD DIFFERS FROM INSTINCT

Like geese that are born with the instinct to fly back home and to their exact feeding-breeding ground, we are born with the innate knowledge to “fly” to our heavenly Father when we need shelter or help. He never falls back on His Word about directing us. We need only believe and obey. Let’s!

Eternal Perspectives               by Sally Bair

Instinct and Trust

It’s that time of year when Canada geese begin to prepare for their long journey south. When a flock is ready to migrate, the geese use a simple ceremony. They flap their wings and walk toward their destination for a few steps. They repeatedly toss their heads, their bills pointed upward, to tell the others they’re ready to fly.

Once airborne, a rotating vortex of air (downwash) rolls off each wingtip, pushing the bird that is behind downward  and the air behind and alongside it upward (upwash). The lucky goose that flies in either of those zones gets a free lift, thereby saving energy. Scientists have determined that geese in the back of the V had lower heart rates and flapped their wings less often.

God has instilled a built-in knowledge in geese that tells them when to head for shelter and how to get there. He has done the same for us. His Word tells us over and over that if we choose His ways, He will direct us. By faith, we can find His love and peace, His righteousness and joy, His guidance—unerringly. We don’t have to be like the Canada goose, depending on a ceremony or ritual. We don’t have to wait for others to begin our faith journey.

Before Jesus’ ascension to heaven, He started His disciples on their new journey to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you …” (Matthew 28:19-20). And He promised them, “ …lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Unlike the geese that depend on the one in front to get a free lift, so to speak, Jesus’ followers received the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to “fly.” Their faith nourished by Jesus’ teachings, they dispersed to new neighborhoods, cities and countries to fulfill their destiny for Jesus’ sake.

Like Canada geese, we also have natural instincts regarding our safety and comfort. But to depend solely on them is to short-change ourselves of God’s total care—of body, soul and spirit, twenty-four/seven, now and for eternity. He loves us that much. How we respond will determine our own eternal destiny. 

Lord, thank You for being our guide as we traverse the path You have set out for us. We depend on You and ask that You strengthen and empower us to reach others for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, amen.