Mounting up with wings as Eagles When a storm approaches, other birds hide; even we human beings not to be caught up in it, but the eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. Eagles are delighted to watch in the sky on a good day, is it the way they flapped their wings on a spot or how it moves up spreading its wings like parachute? Why God liken us to this wonderful eagle is what I do not know, but if it is the way it moves in the sky, I love it. In Isaiah 40:31 the bible says, “Those who hope/wait in/on the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like (mount up as) eagles.” We as the children of the Lord we can use the storms of life to rise to greater heights with God’s help! To Soar Like Eagles! The majestic eagle can teach us much about rising above the storms of life and preparing to soar if we care to follow God’s direction. Each of the birds God created is special, but to me the eagle is extraordinary. It possesses great beauty as well as tremendous strength and skill. The eagle is also highly respected by man. To Americans, this bird is the symbol of their country. Its image is engraved on their national seal. In Nigeria on the coat of Army we find it there. And when we lay our eyes upon this creature we can't help but be amazed. Its flight is nothing short of dramatic. Each of these great birds seems to just glide on the air with movements that are more elegant than a waltz. But is there something we can learn from this majestic creature? I think so. Let’s find out. What Eagles do in a Storm? Have we notice that or know that an eagle can detect when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? It will actually fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. Isn't that remarkable? While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above. It does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. What an extra-ordinary way to deal with adversity! There is a wonderful lesson for God's children to learn from the way an eagle approaches a storm. When the storms of life come upon us, we, too, can rise above them by setting our minds and our hearts toward God. We can allow God's power to lift us above them. Furthermore, the storms (or trials) of life can actually help us in our walk of faith. This is because they build something in us that will be a part of our lives forever. I know many people have experienced this in their life and when they came out of it, they are more wiser and became stronger. Paul wrote: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17). Yes with God on our side. We can use every adversity that comes our way for gain. We need to learn from trials—to grow from the experience and be made better (James 1:2-3). Sometimes we should "escape" trials (1 Corinthians 10:13). Sometimes we should "flee" that’s lustful desire habit (Matthew 10:23). And at other times, trials are to be confronted and endured (2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 4:5; Hebrews 12:7). We must face the things that challenge us and grow in virtue because of them that is what the bible teaches us. God said He is looking for an overcomer, that’s in the book of Revelation. And He has a wonderful promise for them. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21). An Eagle's Story to help us in time of trials. Faith in the Night Seasons by Chuck and Nancy Missler begins with a story about a wounded eaglet that was rescued by a kind farmer. He found the bird in one of his fields and so took him home, tended to his wounds and then placed him outside in the barnyard to recover. Strangely enough, the young eaglet soon adapted to the habits of all the barnyard chickens. He learned to walk and clucks like them. He learned to drink from a trough and peck the dirt for food, and for many years he resigned himself to this new life on the ground. But then one day, one of the farmer's friends spotted the eagle and asked, "Why in the world is that bird acting like a chicken?" The farmer explained what had happened. Even so, the man could hardly accept the situation. "It's just not right," said the friend. "The Creator made that bird to soar in the heavens, not scavenge in the barnyard!" So he picked up the unsuspecting eagle, climbed onto a nearby fence post, and tossed him into the air. But the confused bird just fell back to earth and searched for his feathered friends. Undaunted, the man then grabbed the eagle and climbed to the top of the barn. As he heaved him off the roof, the bird made a few halfhearted squawks and flaps before falling into a bale of hay. After shaking his head a few times, the eagle then made himself comfortable and began mindlessly pecking at straw. The friend went home that night dejected, and could barely sleep as he remembered the sight of those powerful talons caked with barnyard mud. He couldn't bear the thought, so the very next day, he headed back to the farm for another try. This time he carried the eagle to the top of a nearby mountain where the sky unfolded in a limitless horizon. He looked into the eagle's eyes and cried out, "Don't you understand? You weren't made to live like a chicken! Why would you want to stay down here when you were born for the sky?" As the man held the confused bird, he made sure the eagle was facing into the brilliant light of the setting sun. Then he powerfully heaved the bird into the sky, and this time the eagle opened his wings, looked at the sun, caught the updraft rising from the valley, and disappeared into the clouds of heaven. God's children were born to fly. They were created by a loving God to soar. He has called them to live in the heights not below, yet too many have huddled together in the barnyard and become content and comfortable with crumbs. Is it not time for us to reject any position that devil’s and his angels has put us and soar above to a higher ground? You can do it, I can do it, so let’s determine to leave our present position that did not gives god glory and move to the point God wants for us. We can not do it alone; we need the help of God and his Spirit. It is for us to ask and it shall be given to us, this is the promise of God, and he is sure to fulfill it. Helen Keller once said, "One can never consent to creep when he feels an impulse to soar." God's people need to cultivate and exercise that impulse. If we do, we will one day soar like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). Remain Blessed. Dayo Adeyemi Pastoring, C.A.C Fullness of Christ Centre, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State. 08034053842, 08075141195. dayo_benjamin@yahoo.com
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