Read: Isaiah 40:25-31
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. (v. 31)
In his book The Birds Our Teachers, John Stott makes the following observation about eagles: “The picture it presents is not the strenuous flapping of wings, but the spreading of wings to catch the wind, and effortless soaring into the sky” (p. 56). Eagles sense the wind currents, intuitively know about thermals, and depend upon them to guide their flight. The unseen air supports their expertly engineered wings and by simply extending their wings, they will stay aloft.
Isaiah, as well as the writers of Job 39:27, Proverbs 30:18-19, and Psalm 103:5, describe eagles as beyond human understanding, but also as an image of strength and majesty, an example of trust. God spoke to his people during the exodus, “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession” (Exodus 19:4-5 NIV).
How can we renew our strength like eagles? If we aspire to soar spiritually, perhaps we too must trust the air that we cannot see. Waiting for the Lord and obeying him is the way to spread our wings. Frantically flapping and trying to do things on our own won’t achieve the same results as allowing God to provide the wind currents that will lift us up. —Denise Vredevoogd
As you pray, ask God for the courage to spread your wings.
About the Author
Denise Vredevoogd is a private piano teacher who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan.
