Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.—Proverbs 23:5 (NIV)

Because bald eagles nest near our home, I often see them fly by our kitchen window. But only for a moment and then they’re gone, just like a recent offer we received on a property we were hoping to sell. The first day after we listed it, a bid for more than the asking price arrived. I found myself daydreaming about living on a boat and scuba diving off the coast of Belize, updating my out-of-date wardrobe, and taking my husband, Zane, out for a fancy dinner. I glanced at riches. (Well, more than glanced.) 

The next day the buyer rescinded his offer. Interest rates were going up, and he couldn’t make financial sense of it. Poof—the riches sprouted wings and flew away like the eagles that darted past my window. I was disappointed the sale fell through, but even more disappointed with myself for time spent imagining how the money would change my life. I know better. Jesus is the only true source of provision, and He will never leave me. 

When the rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to sell everything and follow Him (Mark 10:17–27). The young man went away sad because he couldn’t let go of his wealth. Jesus knew the lure of worldly possessions would cause some not to follow Him. 

Riches—or anything we put our trust in other than Jesus—can fly away, just like eagles. But Jesus is here to stay.

Faith Step: Write a prayer in your journal today proclaiming your trust in Jesus because He will never “fly away.”