The Eagle

 

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31).

I was standing in my yard the other day enjoying the outdoors with warmer temperatures.  I’d had a depressing day the day before and was glad for warmer weather that encouraged my being outdoors.  I looked up and was surprised to see an eagle flying–no higher than the roof of my house! What a sight!  Those broad, beautiful wings spread wide as it glided on the wind. I could clearly see its golden beak and gleaming white head and tail. I stood spellbound and all I could do was say, “thank you, Lord.”

I live near a river and mountains where eagles live, but most of the time they fly so high I can barely discern what kind of bird is flying. I’m not sure why this eagle was flying low enough for me to see it, but I accepted it as a gift from God.  I needed that lift. Sometimes life is hard for all of us. God never promised an easy life, but He does renew our strength when we hope in Him. I truly experienced a renewal in my spirit and in strength when I saw the eagle.

You may not see an eagle today, but it is my hope that you see or experience something that will bring a smile and a “thank you, Lord” to your lips.  May you be encouraged by these verses that Isaiah wrote just before those that say “they will soar on wings like eagles.”

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:28-29)