Now that the weeds are starting to pop up in the backyard, Matt and I decided to open the door of the chicken run, and let them out to wander the backyard. We “fenced off” the areas we didn’t want them to go, like up the driveway, and into the vegetable boxes, but other than that, the yard was free to roam.
We opened the gate, and tried to coax them out of the run, with dried mealworms, but I was surprised at their reaction. Most of them stayed in their run, venturing over to the gate, but then quickly turning around to go back to what was comfortable to them.
Two of them went out the gate but then quickly hopped through the electric fence (which was off), trying to get back into the run again. They were so panicked trying to get back into the run, that they didn’t even notice all the fresh green weeds below their feet.
The chickens, on the inside would get near the fence, where the other 2 chickens were on the other side, but weren’t even interested in going back over to the gate to get out. As I watched them I felt like the Lord started speaking to me. I was in awe that all this freedom was being given to them, but most of them were content to just roam their normal space. And the other two, who had ventured out, were so terrified by their freedom, all they wanted was to get back into their “captivity”.
How often in our lives do we do the same thing?
How often does the Lord open a door of freedom for us, but we choose to stay where we are? How many of us are caged up- comfortable and content, but missing out on so much more that the Lord has for us?
The comfort of what we know, feels more secure than the freedom the Lord is offering us.
I know in my life there have been multiple times this has happened. The most recent was about three years ago when our marriage slowly started to unravel, and over about six months, more and more was revealed about what had really been going on in our 16 years together. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to just turn around and go back to how it used to be, go back to oblivion, go back to the “coop” that was comfortable, because the freedom looked too scary. But the Lord reminded me of Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26) and specifically told me not to look back, not to turn around and desire what used to be. This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to do, but being on the other side of the caged coop, out in the field where the harvest is fresh, I can honestly say it was scary at times, but so worth it.
Why are we so quick to choose what we already know, what feels like comfort to us? The Lord is our creator so why are we so quick to not trust Him, when He is offering us freedom beyond the little comfortable space we know and love?
What is it about freedom that scares us?
If we are honest with ourselves, what is it we are really afraid?
Are we afraid our freedom might cost us something? It might.
Is it worth it? Always.
For six of our eight chickens, the risk of the unknown was too much. Only two ventured out and eventually got over their fear. As their momma, I want to look all of them in their cute beady eyes and tell them it’s going to be okay, I wouldn’t let them out if I thought it was going to hurt them. I only want the best for them, which is why I am offering them a yard full of goodies, instead of an over-eaten coop and run. But it’s okay, just like the Lord will meet each of us in our fear, a few days ago I took fresh grass seed and a sprinkler out to the coop. Even if they don’t want to embrace freedom, I still want good things for them in their captivity, just like our Heavenly Father does for us.
So what will you choose?
Is it the comfort of what you already know, or is it worth it to step out in faith and see what the Lord has for you on the other side of the “coop”?
Yahweh is my revelation-light and the source of my salvation. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run, for you, Yahweh, surround and protect me.” Psalms 27:1 (tPt)
