In times of suffering we need to find words of comfort.
In Isaiah 40, we are told that by waiting on the Lord, we will mount on wings like eagles.
Eagles are remarkable birds, they have incredible vision, powerful feet and butcher like beaks, but most of all they are built for flying. Unlike most birds eagles don’t fly for long by flapping their wings, they cannot flap very long. They are built for soaring, and thus they can much further on little energy. Eagles find thermal current, stretch out their wings and soar through the air for many kilometres with very little exertion.
I believe that Isaiah is telling us that although to the naked eye God is invisible, like the thermal currents, he is present for his people. When we search him out, claim his promises and trust in him, spreading out the wings of faith, we can run and not grow weary. We can walk and not faint. In times when life seems out of control and it really hurts, we need to remember the eagle.
The strength we need for holy, effective living comes not from frantically flapping our wings like sparrows in distress, but from trusting in God and resting in Jesus Christ. Andrew
