I believe I can fly. I believe I can touch the sky. Think about it every night and day. Spread my wings and fly away. I believe I can soar. See me running through the open door. I believe I can fly. I believe I can fly.
I love the lyrics to this old song that has been a favorite of mine for many years. I never really thought about it's message, however, until a spontaneous visit to the park with my nephew Seth.
Seth has an uncanny ability to pick up song lyrics and will often erupt into some random song that makes you turn around and say, "Huh? Where did that come from?" It's amazing and hilarious! While I was pushing him on the swing he began singing "think I believe I can fly". I tried to correct him by saying that he didn't have to add the extra word (think) but he refused to listen and kept singing "think I believe I can fly". As he continued to sing, it struck me how much that one little word affected the meaning of the song. The message it was intended to convey was one of faith. But with the addition of that one little word, doubt is thrown into the mix and changes everything. I think I believe I can fly...but I'm really not certain.
God has instructed us to trust in Him, have faith in Him and not lean on our own understanding. He tells us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. He has given us examples of how He takes care of and provides for His people. He filled us with His Spirit and endued us with POWER FROM ON HIGH!!! He has performed so many miracles and answered so many prayers. Yet, there are times in our lives when we are faced with challenges and even though we have God on our side, we second guess the power in us and instead of standing up and singing with confidence "I BELIEVE I CAN FLY", we very quietly look the situation over whispering "I THINK I believe I can fly....Maybe."
Often, when we speak about believing, it is paired with trusting. How many times have you heard the phrase "just trust and believe"? I've come to realize in my own life that when I'm not so sure I can accomplish something God has placed in front of me, I'm usually not trusting Him as much as I should. So many times He has helped me to perform His work even when I was not trusting Him completely. I got through it, but with a lot of unnecessary worry and frustration. Looking back, I wonder how much easier things could have been had I simply let Him have control. I once heard a minister say that if we are SURPRISED when God answers a prayer, we probably had nothing to do with it. Hmmm...I suppose sometimes He accomplishes His purpose in spite of us and our doubt.
As Seth was in the swing with his arms outstretched, singing his song (albeit with the wrong lyrics), it never crossed his mind that I WASN'T going to be behind him pushing him along...helping him "fly". He trusted me and believed that I had no intention of going away and leaving him to try and do it on his own. The faith of a child! We should realize that God isn't going to leave us alone either. All we have to do is spread our wings and He will provide the strength and the power to accomplish what we need to. We just have to stop thinking and start believing.
In a couple of weeks my family and I will be leaving for Europe to work in the mission field. I'm not sure exactly what the task God has set before me entails but I am confident that whatever He asks me to do, He will give me the strength to accomplish...I believe I can FLY!
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