NicWilliams.net

Been a while since I have written anything. I actually have a lot to say but just can't seem to get myself to sit down and write any of it. A lot is going on right now and I am trying to make the most out of some down time. I will try and sit down soon and write some more...til then...here is a great word from the pastor of the church I attended when I was in college.

"Sometimes You Have to Work for it...
My wife loves bird watching. Many years ago she began hanging bird feeders from the limbs of a few really large trees in our backyard. Now we attract yellow finches, red birds, blue jays, humming birds, wood-peckers, and many other varieties daily. The feeders hang at the same level as our living room window, so it's perfect!

Every morning Debbie watches her feathered friends through the window, while sipping a cup of coffee and spending time alone with God. It has become as big a part of her daily quiet time as reading the Bible, praying, and writing in her journal. For Debbie, this is a pleasant and peaceful way to connect with God.

Unfortunately, things are not always peaceful at the bird feeders. You see, bird seed doesn't only attract hungry birds, it lures in many starving squirrels as well. When I say "many", I'm really not kidding. We're not talking one or two squirrels. In fact, I think a memo goes out to every squirrel in the forest each week, reminding them of the morning buffet that takes place at our house. It's not that the squirrels themselves are a problem, it's just that when they're monopolizing the feeders, the birds get completely left out.

We've done almost everything to get rid of them but nothing works. We've bought every kind of "squirrel proof" feeder there is, only to find that the real solution is that there is no solution. One feeder had a weight limit on its ledge so that the door would close if anything heavier than a bird was perched on it. It actually worked for a while until the squirrels discovered their hidden acrobatic skills and beat the system by dangling upside down on the limb next to the feeder, while scooping out seeds.

Another feeder had a circular ledge that would spin and throw the squirrels off. That was effective and entertaining for a while, but they soon figured out how to grip the hook holding the feeder with their back feet, and stretch out just long enough to reach into it.

Others grew tired of the high wire act and decided to wait patiently on the ground for the seeds that were dropped by birds and the more talented squirrels.

In reality, I can't blame the poor hungry squirrels for wanting to eat. Although it was irritating, their desire was pure and they were simply doing all they could to satisfy it! I think all of us could stand to learn a lesson or two from these persistent little rodents!

Has God placed a desire in your heart that hasn't been fulfilled? Are you longing for a mate, a child, better relationships, financial freedom, or a better job? If so, Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."

That's your promise today! When your desires are pure, God-planted desires, He will fulfill them- you just might have to work for it! Too often we think, "I'll just sit here and do nothing. I don't have to worry about it or put any effort in. If it happens it happens, and if it doesn't, then it doesn't." That's a terrible way to think! Sure, God doesn't need your help to carry out His plan, but He does like to see that you care. He likes to see that you are willing to go the distance!

There are lessons we can learn from squirrels. If those little guys gave up and didn't work hard for their food, they would go hungry. Instead of moping around that Debbie and I kept making it hard for them, they got creative. They used the raw materials God gave them like good balance, long tails, and tight gripping claws to get what they wanted.

Achieving your dreams and desires may not always be easy. You might have to work for it! How can you get creative and start using the gifts God gave you to make it happen?

Don't get discouraged. Pure, God-given desires are in your heart for a reason. God put them there! Trust in that promise and strive to hold up your end of the deal. Keep your heart pure and your eyes set on God, He will always come through!" -Dr. Bill Purvis