"But those who wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles." (Isaiah 40:31)
The eagle has to be the most inspirational bird on this planet. There is so much I could say that I’m only going to list some its traits to encourage us.
Their attention: An eagle perches on a tree. His body stays still, his head tilts to one side, his eyes constantly search to see what is happening around him.
Be always on the watch, and pray, says Luke in his Gospel, (Luke 24:36)
Their vision: Their eyes have 5X more light-sensitive cells than we do. We see three basic colours, they see five. They can spot a rabbit from a distance of over 3,000 metres (two miles), and another eagle in the sky from 80 kms (50 miles) away.
Without a vision, the people perish, says the Bible. (Proverbs 29:18)
Their courage: The African Fish Eagle swoops over water and snatches fish with its large talons. But it also grabs young flamingos and even baby crocodiles!
Be strong and courageous, God told Joshua (Joshua 1:9) four times in quick succession.
Their determination: When the storms come, an eagle spreads its wings and soars to a greater height. Other birds take shelter or fly away.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31a) We can use storms to rise to greater heights.
Their ability: They fly higher than any other bird, up to an altitude of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet).
Those who hope in the LORD ... will soar on wings like eagles.(Isaiah 40:31)
Their company: Turkeys and pigeons scavenge on the ground and settle for grubs and scraps. Eagles take to the air and watch for new opportunities.
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. (Proverbs 13:20)
Their acceptance of what they can’t change: At about 30 years of age, they retreat to a mountain top. They knock off their beaks, pull out their talons and remove their feathers. The removed parts re-grow, and the eagle goes on to live for another 30+ years.
Goodness and mercy shall follow me, says Psalm 23:6. We need to look back to see what's following!
Their love and guidance: The mother patiently trains the baby eaglet to fly by nudging it from the nest. She then swoops underneath and catches him on her gigantic wings, returning him home for another try. Eventually, the babies imitate their parents, spread their wings—and they fly.
[God] was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, Then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly. (Deuteronomy 32:11) Yes, we’ll fail. And we’ll fall. But if we hope in the Lord, we can be sure of His mighty wings waiting to catch us.
So do you want to be like an eagle? Which of the above qualities do you most need to work on? Please share your answer in the comment block below.
SHIRLEY CORDER lives on the coast in South Africa with her husband, Rob. Her book, Strength Renewed: Meditations for your Journey through Breast Cancer contains 90 meditations based on her time in the cancer valley.
Their attention: An eagle perches on a tree. His body stays still, his head tilts to one side, his eyes constantly search to see what is happening around him.
Be always on the watch, and pray, says Luke in his Gospel, (Luke 24:36)
Their vision: Their eyes have 5X more light-sensitive cells than we do. We see three basic colours, they see five. They can spot a rabbit from a distance of over 3,000 metres (two miles), and another eagle in the sky from 80 kms (50 miles) away.
Without a vision, the people perish, says the Bible. (Proverbs 29:18)
Their courage: The African Fish Eagle swoops over water and snatches fish with its large talons. But it also grabs young flamingos and even baby crocodiles!
Be strong and courageous, God told Joshua (Joshua 1:9) four times in quick succession.
Their determination: When the storms come, an eagle spreads its wings and soars to a greater height. Other birds take shelter or fly away.
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31a) We can use storms to rise to greater heights.
Their ability: They fly higher than any other bird, up to an altitude of 3,000 metres (10,000 feet).Those who hope in the LORD ... will soar on wings like eagles.(Isaiah 40:31)
Their company: Turkeys and pigeons scavenge on the ground and settle for grubs and scraps. Eagles take to the air and watch for new opportunities.
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. (Proverbs 13:20)
Their acceptance of what they can’t change: At about 30 years of age, they retreat to a mountain top. They knock off their beaks, pull out their talons and remove their feathers. The removed parts re-grow, and the eagle goes on to live for another 30+ years.
Goodness and mercy shall follow me, says Psalm 23:6. We need to look back to see what's following!
Their love and guidance: The mother patiently trains the baby eaglet to fly by nudging it from the nest. She then swoops underneath and catches him on her gigantic wings, returning him home for another try. Eventually, the babies imitate their parents, spread their wings—and they fly.[God] was like an eagle hovering over its nest, overshadowing its young, Then spreading its wings, lifting them into the air, teaching them to fly. (Deuteronomy 32:11) Yes, we’ll fail. And we’ll fall. But if we hope in the Lord, we can be sure of His mighty wings waiting to catch us.
So do you want to be like an eagle? Which of the above qualities do you most need to work on? Please share your answer in the comment block below.
Please visit Shirley through ShirleyCorder.com, where she encourages writers, or at RiseAndSoar.com, where she encourages those in the cancer valley. You can also meet with her on Twitter or FaceBook.
I think the most difficult one, and the one I need to work on is accepting things I can't change. Living in a difficult situation I need His patience to accept and work through each day. I manage because of Him.
ReplyDeleteYes Bonnie, I think that is something we all struggle with. Keep on keeping on my friend! Have a blessed week.
DeleteShirley, great analogy! I agree, eagles are magnificent birds :)
ReplyDeleteNarelle, thank you. Yes, I love the eagle, not just for his magnificence but for all he has to teach us!
Delete