I want to soar on wings like the eagles. From the first time I really grabbed hold of Isaiah 40, J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy popped into my head.
Gandalf the Wizard calls his legion of giant eagles to swoop in to save the two hobbits who had just destroyed the ring. The huge talons open and the birds gracefully snatch the hobbits off the rocks, carrying them away from sure death. Their wings press downward, extend, catch a breath of wind, and fall into its palm, soaring effortlessly across the sky.
My life, as good as it’s been, is sprinkled with mishaps, blunders, and boo-boos. My human imperfections lead me to make the occasional bad choice or regretful phrase. And when I fall into a pattern of these hardships, I find myself on my knees grasping at the air, praying for one of Gandalf’s eagles to lift me out of the mess. I want to soar, not wallow.
I recently sat in a restaurant after a conference and somehow the topic of soaring on wings like eagles came up. My friends and I laughed about the fact we were somewhat overworked. If we took the promise of Isaiah 40 to heart, the work would never cease, and we’d never grow weary or tired. Perpetual work. Not a good thing when you’ve just invested in a nice memory-foam mattress and gel foam topper.
But even as we teased, the conversation eventually turned to the depth of this promise. Imagine, running and never growing weary, never being faint … soaring on wings like eagles.
The promise Isaiah talked of was to those whose hope was in the Lord. God has never been one to do things small and all His promises border on “more than we can imagine.” God knew the people of Israel needed hope and comfort. Even as He gave them a first glimpse of the one whose voice was calling in the desert to prepare the way, He gave them a taste of respite and peace.
For the multitude of times I’ve found myself fighting my way to survive frustration and pain, I continually return to this promise. It’s my favorite promise from God because I hope in the Lord. When I wait on Him, my strength is renewed, and I can mount up with wings as eagles. I can soar and never grow weary or faint.
When your strength is hovering on empty, claim this promise. Close your eyes, imagine soaring on wings like the eagles. Hope in Him and He will renew you.
(Photo courtesy of morguefile and FidlerJan.)
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Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.