Devotional – February 21, 2014

For those of you that know my family, you may know that we enjoy spending time outside enjoying nature.  We enjoy hiking, yes, even in the winter.  We like to go different times of year, to take in the beauty of each season.  We also live in the country and are surrounded by nature at home.  One afternoon this winter there was an eagle soaring in our backyard.  What a sight!   How majestic they appear with that huge wing span.  But, what is more fascinating to me is that they glide through sky, as if they do not have a care in the world.  After a long week of attending to the many details that life brings your way, I could not get out of my mind how that eagle soared so strong and graceful, as if he had no cares.

The next day I attended a funeral of a young person.  One of the songs at the funeral was, you guessed it, “On Eagles Wings” LBW 787.  If you remember, the words in that hymn are very powerful, yet comforting.  Although we may struggle with our own set of problems, we know that when we “dwell in the shelter of the Lord and abide in his shadow for life, he will raise you up on eagle’s wings and bear you on the breath of dawn.”  Eagles seem to be able to carry the weight of the world with that huge wing span, but as they glide through the sky, you witness the peace they bring to the world.  That is what God is saying to us.  You may face many trials, but if you are faithful and follow his teachings you “will be raised up on eagle’s wings.  He will bear you up on the breath of dawn and make you to shine like the sun and hold you in the palm of his hand.”

What a powerful, yet comforting message this is.  If you are fortunate enough to view an eagle gliding through the sky, try to keep this strong and peaceful image in your mind to carry you through the difficulties you may face in your life. ”

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

May the Lord bless his people with peace (Psalm 29:11)

Yours in Christ,
Karen Lint