On Wings Of Eagles

Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

The founders of the United States of America wanted a bird that would represent the country. In 1782 they chose the bald eagle as the national bird, although some, like Benjamin Franklin, preferred the turkey. The bald eagle is not really bald, but it has short white feathers on its head. Experts believe that “bald” might be from the Old English word balde, which means “white.” With wide wings, this bird of prey soars high in the sky and symbolizes courage, majesty, and freedom. The eagle appears on the Great Seal of the United States and on many coins.

It’s no wonder that Isaiah chose to use the eagle as an illustration of what happens when you put your trust in the Lord. With God, you can soar high like the eagle. Sometimes life is tough, and you might not feel as if you’re soaring. You might feel more like you’re crawling! It’s easy to get discouraged or to feel like giving up. That’s normal. But God is mighty and powerful, and he’s able to handle all your problems. He doesn’t want you to be held back by discouragement, failure, sadness, or fear. He wants to give you strength and courage to meet your challenges. Whether you’re facing a difficult school assignment, dealing with relationship problems, or struggling to understand what it means to be a Christian, God wants you to turn to him. Ask for guidance, and be sensitive to what he tells you when he speaks to your heart—through prayer, through a parent’s advice, or through a pastor’s sermon.

When you trust God and follow his leading, you’ll soar above life’s difficulties just as an eagle soars high above land. Think about the eagle today, and decide that you will let God help you rise on wings like eagles as you listen to him and seek to do the things he wants you to do.

Find three interesting facts about eagles using the Internet, a book, or an encyclopedia. Why do you think Isaiah used the example of an eagle and not a different bird? How does the eagle symbolize your relationship with God?