I love eagles! As long as I can remember, seeing an eagle is one of my favorite things. Each time I see one, my heart lifts. I smile. I often shed a tear. Peace fills my heart. They represent freedom in our country and I am fortunate to live in a part of our country where they migrate each winter. A few weekends ago, I took my boys out around the edge of the lake where we could watch them. It was beautiful. They were perching above the lake in trees, swooping down to catch fish, dancing in the sky with one another and just soaring in the wind. Pretty amazing to watch. I stood in awe at the beauty of God's creation just in the eagles and the lake and the surrounding mountains. I could have stayed for hours. My children were not as enthused as I was and were ready to leave before me. If they hadn't thought to bring alternative entertainment for in the car, they wouldn't have
wanted to wait on their mom!
I wonder what it would be like to soar on wings like eagles? to just ride the wind and dance in the sky? I do know what it is like to put my trust in God. To wait on him. To hope. He comes through every time. Not always in the ways I desire or expect, but he is always faithful. His timing is always perfect. Sometimes waiting tests our patience and it is good. It allows us opportunities to have experiences we might not have if we rush. Just like my leisurely watching of the eagles.
In reading different versions of Isaiah 40:31, the words wait, hope and "put trust in" are all used - the outcome is the same: strength from the Lord!
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.
(The Message)
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.
(New International Version)
This is one of the first verses I memorized and I really like it. There have been times that I have been able to call up this verse to help myself or to share with someone else. In the last year, I have been challenged in some of my closest relationships. I have felt a lot of emotions. I have cried many tears. I have cried out to God. I have been encouraged by Him to make some changes. I have prayed for truth to be revealed to me and in answering that prayer, God has shown me where I've made some mistakes. He led me to be truthful with others in ways I hadn't been even though to me it felt risky. I had to trust in Him that somehow he would give me the strength and walk me through it. It hasn't been easy, but
I've remained hopeful and some days I feel like I'm soaring on wings like eagles.
Warrior Sisters, Say that again - I'll continue to put my trust in the Lord and see
how He will renew my strength and help me soar!
These pictures are courtesy of my friend Cheryl Nichols who is a professional photographer. Her website is www.cherylnicholsphotography.com
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