GOD'S AVIARY

A thought from Today¹s Pentecostal Evangel:
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³In today¹s world, we are confronted by many hard-to-reach places. Yet we
need not be daunted by restricted-access countries or people groups living
in rugged, remote areas. The Church should have no borders in reaching the
lost. Our mandate is to go to every person with an adequate witness of Jesus
Christ as Savior and Redeemer.²
³Insight: Thoughts on the Unreached,² L. John Bueno
World Missions Edition, Today¹s Pentecostal Evangel, May 4, 2008
http://www.tpe.ag.org

God¹s Aviary

By William E. Richardson

Soaring into the sky on strong wings, the eagle reaches heights of 10,000
feet. His keen eyesight detects prey far below. Of all the birds God
created, the eagle rises above the others in many ways.

The Bible says plenty about the eagle. Several times throughout the Old
Testament, the writers mention the swiftness or strength of this magnificent
creature.

God made a vast variety of birds. From the tiny hummingbird to the tall
ostrich, they come in all sizes. From melodious songbirds to birds that
mimic sounds around them, they vary in vocal ability. From single-color
birds to peacocks, they cover the visual spectrum.

Not all birds can be eagles, but each bird can be all God created it to be.
God is keeping His eye on every one of them. Jesus said the Heavenly Father
knows every time a sparrow falls to the ground (Matthew 10:29). Luke adds,
³And not one of them is forgotten before God² (Luke 12:6, NKJV).

Jesus reminded us that, as God¹s human creation, we are much more valuable
to Him than sparrows (Matthew 10:31). If God keeps track of the whereabouts
and circumstances of those small birds, you know He¹s aware of every second
of your day.

We can¹t all be famous as an eagle, beautiful as a swan or sing like a
nightingale. But each of us can be all we are for God¹s glory. There is so
much variety in God¹s creation. In His aviary, it doesn¹t matter how you
differ from others as much as how you resemble Jesus. He wants to help you
rise above feelings of fear and doubt so that you can reach your full
potential in Him.

In God¹s aviary, every sparrow true to His master soars like an eagle.

‹ William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.