Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Recently my wife and I were away in Massachusetts where I was putting on a retreat. While we were away, the final repairs were being made on the damage to our home caused by Hurricane Helene. It was a relief to know that after months of waiting, the damage was going to be fixed. But upon returning home and just one night before leaving again for another trip to Florida, we heard an unusual sound coming from our attic.

I cautiously climbed up to investigate, carefully stepping from rafter to rafter to avoid falling through the drywall ceiling. As I peered into the dimly lit space, I discovered the source of the noise—a small bird flitting around, trapped in the attic. Apparently, the poor creature had flown in when there was still a hole in the roof, and when the workers sealed it up, they unknowingly left the bird inside.

I immediately wanted to rescue the bird, knowing that if I left it there, it would likely die in our absence. But every time I got close, it would flutter away, perching just out of reach. I tried multiple times, speaking gently, moving slowly, hoping to catch it so that I could take it outside and allow it to go free. But the bird only panicked more, resisting every attempt to save it. Sadly, after repeated efforts, I had to give up, knowing full well that the bird was going to be left alone in the attic, facing certain death.

As I came down from the attic, I couldn’t shake the thought that this bird’s struggle mirrored our own spiritual condition. Just like that bird, we often find ourselves trapped—ensnared by sin, bad choices, or circumstances beyond our control. The hole in the roof, left open after the storm, had given the bird a way in, just as sin finds its way into our lives through vulnerabilities, wounds, and temptations. And once sin takes hold, we are caught, unable to escape on our own.

God, in His infinite mercy, comes to rescue us, much like I tried to do for the bird. He approaches us gently, calling us toward freedom, offering a way out of our predicament. But how often do we respond like the bird? Instead of trusting Him, we flit away, frightened and resistant. We think we can find our own way, or we are too blinded by fear to recognize that the One pursuing us is doing so out of love.

But here is the profound difference between my failed rescue attempt and God’s relentless pursuit: I had to leave the bird behind, knowing its fate was sealed. But God does not give up on us. He sees that we are doomed in our sin, but instead of walking away, He sends His Son to die in our place. Jesus didn’t just try to rescue us—He became the way out. Where we resisted, He remained steadfast. Where we faced death, He offered life.

Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Unlike me, standing helpless in the attic, God had a solution. He knew that our sin would lead to destruction, so He sent Jesus to take our place, to suffer the death we deserved so that we could be set free.

The sad truth is that many people still resist this offer of salvation. They continue to flee, hiding in the attic of sin, too afraid or too stubborn to surrender. But the good news is that God never stops pursuing. No matter how many times we push Him away, His love remains constant. He is always reaching out, calling us to freedom.

If you find yourself trapped today—caught in addiction, shame, guilt, or fear—know this: you do not have to stay there. Jesus has already made a way for you. He has torn open the prison of sin and death, offering you an escape into His marvelous light. All you have to do is stop resisting, stop running, and trust the One who has come to set you free.

The bird in my attic didn’t understand that I was trying to save it. But you and I have the privilege of knowing the truth. God is for us. His Son has already paid the price. The door to freedom stands open. Will we take it?

Heavenly Father, I am left to wonder if you allowed the bird to fly into my attic to teach me this lesson. I was sad that I was unable to rescue it, leaving it trapped and certain to die. This event gave me a stark reminder of the danger of being trapped in sin. Father, I know Your Son died to set me free. I failed to save the bird, but Jesus succeeded in saving all who believe in Him. For this truth I am forever grateful. Thank you for your relentless pursuit and for your endless mercy. Amen!

AMDG 

 I always love to hear from you. You can email me by clicking here.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

Latest posts by Brian Pusateri (see all)

• Tripping Over The Final Hurdle - May 11, 2025
• Sausage Making Is Not a Pretty Process - May 4, 2025
• Freedom - April 27, 2025