Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:10
There are plenty of things crafted by the Master’s hand that goes counter to all things understood. In many ways we would consider these things “exceptions” to whatever rule they seem to break. For instance, the Platypus, an 
egg-laying mammal — seems a bit odd, don’t you think? Let’s consider the Bat, a flying mammal — blind none-the-less — still a bit odd. How about a Penguin? A bird, that swims! Speaking of birds, what’s up with the Ostrich? A bird that has wings, but cannot fly! Imagine if it could though — wow!
God is the only one that can get away with this kind of “exception-al” thinking or doing! It truly demonstrates the mastery of His design. When we try to apply some of these same exceptions to things created by human hands, it doesn’t quite run the same “exception-al” rules. For instance, we don’t drive boats on the road, nor can we get a hot-air balloon to lift with water! Perhaps more so, we have yet to create or design a plane that could fly without wings. It just doesn’t happen.
But beyond all things tangible things, God also created a relationship that is truly “exception-al.” It is built with love at it’s core, faith as it’s fuel and hope in it’s veins. All of which assume their own “exception-al” design. Further, God reminds us that in order to be more like Him we must humble ourselves before Him and man. Seems “exception-al” to me!! In essence, He says, deflate your pride and I will make you soar on the wings of eagles! What?
He has designed us without wings — yet, He has promised to lift us high if we are to humble ourselves. That means making life all about Him and little about me! That means saying, “I wanna do life Your way, not my way!”
Thank you Lord Jesus for doing an “exception-al” work in me! You designed me to love the unlovable, to worship the God of the universe, to soar without wings, to taste and see! Continue to show your immeasurable love to me each day as I learn more about dropping my pride to the curb!
by: Mark Cruver