Freedom

 

Every now and then, I experience a perfect (as I understand it) moment with God. When this happens, a part of me is never the same.

I love that about Him, don’t you?

A couple of weeks ago, two friends and I started our way through the Breaking Free Bible study by Beth Moore. This is my third journey into this challenging (to say the least!) encounter with God’s Word.

One morning, I sat on our patio – it was warm, but the breeze was morning-cool and gentle. My coffee was hot. Our dogs were napping in their kennel beside me, and I slipped into the study with my heart ready. For what? I had no idea – just something.

When I’m alone, I read the scriptures out loud to myself. The dogs are used to it, and the most I get is a raised head to be sure I’m not talking to them.

One of the passages for the day was, 2 Corinthians 3:17 & 18, which says:

“17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

When I read verse 17, I felt strongly I was supposed to look up from my Bible. When I did, I nearly fell off my chair! In front of me, a few hundred feet, an American Bald Eagle flew across the yard at what felt like eye-level.

I was almost (you knew that didn’t you?) speechless. Praise and thanksgiving came in a whisper as the sun danced off of his white tail. I have no idea how long I sat there in quiet worship. It was a while – the coffee in my insulated cup was hot when I read the verse and cold when I got up from the chair.

When I could speak out loud, I sounded a lot like the author of my study – as I paced my space saying, “Glory to God! Glory to God!”

I now had the dog’s attention, and when I looked up into the tree above to say the words to God, I discovered a young blue jay, two hummingbirds, a male cardinal, and two goldfinches watching me – heads cocked in my direction. The danger from the bird of prey had passed, but something about the woman in their yard seemed to interest (or frighten) them, although it’s likely they’ve heard and seen this response to God before. We’re all regulars out there.

I giggled, and they returned to the feeders as if I’d called the “all clear” after a tornado warning.

As much as I enjoyed the sight of the bird, I associate with freedom, it was the timing. The eagle or one just like him, flies over our house everyday late in the afternoon. I know, because our dogs don’t like his presence at all, even when they are safe in the house. Tucker hides under the hassock, and Sophie snuggles closer. They are not nearly as fond of the birds of prey as I am – with good reason.

This live illustration of God’s Word was personal and detailed. Call it coincidence if you want to, but I know better. The God of the universe gave me a personal gift wrapped in His Word and delivered on the wings of an eagle.

True freedom = Jesus.

Since then, this song has been ministering to me. It has always been a favorite, but it goes a little deeper now.

 

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Bits & Pieces of Me,

Joy

 

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