Grounded

The other day, I was outside during my lunch break enjoying the peace that working from home has given me. A luxury that I don’t take for granted is the ability to step away from my desk and into a space that’s become a place to reset and meet with God. On this particular afternoon, I was walking, talking to the Lord and spending some time in worship.

As I walked, I prayed for the unreached of India, the persecuted church and for individuals and situations in my life. It was a time of soaking in the warmth of the sun and the presence of God when I felt a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit, a sense that there was something I needed to see. So I looked around. The trees were just beginning to bud with new life, but there was nothing out of place. There was little movement in my surroundings, but I still felt a quiet sense of expectation. 

I walked a few more laps before heading inside. As I stepped onto the driveway, I saw it: a bird, standing still on the blacktop sleeping. I paused. It was a strange sight. 

As I approached, it didn’t move although it was perfectly healthy with strong wings and a sturdy body, just standing there. Out of curiosity, I did what you would have done! I grabbed a stick and gently poked the bird. It opened its eyes briefly but went right back to sleep standing motionless.

Birds were designed to fly, yet this one, fully capable of flight, chose to stay grounded. Although it had everything it needed to take off, it was missing out on the very design it was created for. God began to speak to me.

This grounded bird wasn’t just a random encounter; it was a picture of something much deeper. It was a reflection of how so many Christians live today. We have been given wings, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, but we often choose to stay grounded, settling for less than the supernatural life Christ has called us to live.

Let me take this a step further. Imagine that the grounded bird starts a pattern. Other birds see it standing there and think, “Maybe that’s what we’re supposed to do too.” Slowly, more and more birds start staying on the ground. They stop teaching their young to fly. Stories of soaring birds become a distant memory.

Then one day, the wind catches the wings of a brave bird. It spreads its wings and for the first time ever takes flight. The bird soars high, gliding on the wind, experiencing the freedom it was made for.

What do the grounded birds do? They accuse the flying bird of being rebellious. “Stop it! This is how we do things.” “It’s safer on the ground.” “Are you crazy?! Come down from there!” But the bird doesn’t listen. It rises higher, and in doing so, it shows the others what they’ve been missing: their very calling.

This is what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. As cheesy as it sounds, He is the wind beneath our wings and the power we need to live the life God designed for us. Too many of us are still standing on the ground, and we surround ourselves with people and environments that discourage flying. How odd to discourage a bird from flying!

Jesus didn’t die for us to stay on the ground. He died so that we could know Him by receiving the Holy Spirit and live in the fullness of the power He offers. Jesus told us in John 14:12,

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done,
and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Greater things! That’s what we’re missing out on when we don’t walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. We were made to live in power with purpose, joy and freedom, but we can’t do it without the Holy Spirit. Without Him, we’re like the grounded bird, missing out on the very life we were created for.

I know I’ve already shared a similar message in prior blog posts, but I must in obedience continue writing what the Lord lays on my heart. Maybe this word picture will help someone new understand how silly it is for us to fear experiences with the Holy Spirit when He is ready to empower us to soar. Let’s stop settling for less. We have the Holy Spirit! It’s time to spread our wings and rise because He is the treasure. He is the prize.