Burdens Changed to Wings
Illustration★★★★In one of Schiller’s poems a beautiful story is told to this effect: When God made the birds He gave them gorgeous plumage and sweet voices, but no wings. He laid wings on the ground and said, “Take these burdens, and bear them.” They struggled along with them, folding them over their hearts. Presently the wings grew fast to their breasts and spread themselves out, and they found that what they had thought were burdens were changed to pinions. The Art of Sermon Illustration Surrender to God and obedience to Him are not grievous sacrifices, but life and growth and activity (Isa. xl. 31).—DR. A. T. PIERSON.
The point
In Schiller's poem, God gave birds gorgeous plumage and sweet voices but no wings. He laid wings on the ground calling them burdens. As the birds folded the wings to their breasts, the wings grew fast and became pinions for flight. Surrender and obedience to God transform apparent burdens into wings for living.