Inspiration

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 31

Eagles are known as symbols of strength and freedom. They are admired for their swiftness, great physical power and incredible strength in their grip. They are majestic birds known for adaptability and their unpredictable ways. Another positive feature is that they are fearless and never surrender to their prey. Their determination is to fight to win!  What a powerful analogy for us from Isaiah that we can soar high like the eagle. With such courage we can begin to do things beyond ourselves. We cannot do this in our own strength but totally lean on Jesus for power, love and spiritual connection.

No doubt the road is rugged and the heat is on continually!  But God’s grace will lift up, energize and keep us from falling by the wayside. It will supply us with manna from heaven and water from the smitten rock like how it was done for the children of Israel in the wilderness. There are moments we experience joy when we land that job or uncertainty when we wait in  anticipation for what is yet to come!

In Deuteronomy 31:8 Moses reminded Joshua these instructions: “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” 

We all know we need rest from work but sometimes we don’t realize we have to work hard just to rest!  We have to plan for breaks, schedule time to be unscheduled.  That’s the way life is for most of us.  Scattered, frantic, boundary less busyness comes our way naturally.  The rhythms of work and rest require planning because this is the way our world demands and operates in the natural realm. When we wait on the Lord then we are able to say as David said in Psalm 103:5  “He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”  Our major role is to wait on the Lord and follow his direction in obedience to His Word. We were created to fly!

When we go through trials, God will strengthen us as we wait on him. There is the illustration that the eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks.  It will fly to a high spot and wait for the winds to come.  When the storm hits the eagle sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm.  While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it! It does not escape the storm; it simply uses the storm to lift it higher!  Then rises up on the winds that bring the storm.

Lord Jesus, Thank you for your promise that as I wait on you, you will renew my strength.  Please enable me to be strong and courageous then I can soar high on wings like the eagle.

Reflection:  True confidence is knowing the Lord is still in control and always has our best interest at heart despite our circumstances.

Meditate on: “Like an eagle that rouses her chicks   and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up   and carried them safely on his pinions. Deuteronomy 32:11