Jesus lifts individuals

We are not the only ones who are sometimes blind to reality. Some flying creatures do the same thing.

I’ve heard if you put a buzzard in a pen 6-feet square with an open top, he will become a prisoner. Without space to run to begin a flight, he will not even attempt to fly.

A bumblebee dropped into an open container never sees the escape at the top and will always look for an escape through the sides near the bottom. An ordinary bat cannot take off from a level place. If placed on the floor or flat surface, it shuffles about helplessly.

But I like the eagle. He soars in the heavens. He even rides above the storm and allows the storm to carry him. I’m with him. His courage, bravery and strength are inspiring. No wonder the eagle is our national symbol.

I love the many Scriptures concerning the eagle. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV).

Eagles build their nest high among the timberline. When it is time to teach the eaglets to fly, the mother eagle stirs up the nest. The eaglet stumbles out in the process without a parachute, but mother eagle doesn’t abandon her child. At just the right time she swoops down and catches her offspring on her wing and flies back to the nest. The lessons are repeated until the eaglet can soar. Eagles live long, vigorous lives.

At the end of a certain period of time, eagles molt and renew their youth.

We build our nest high among the timberline, too, on the solid rock of Jesus. He guides his child in flying lessons. Disobedience brings another trip around the mountain until the lessons are learned. Like the mother eagle, Jesus doesn’t abandon his children either. Obedience makes lengthy, vigorous lives for those who obey his commandments. In times of trial he holds his children up as “eagles’ wings” (Exodus 19:4). We hide under the “shadow of the Almighty.” He is our fortress and strength when weary and fainthearted (Psalms 91).

The eagle builds its nest on a high mountain cliff. We build our hopes and dreams on God, our high place, too. There we are safe. “For you are my refuge, a high tower where my enemies can never reach me” (Psalms 61:3 TLB).

We sometimes allow the problems of life to “clip” our wings. We become frustrated. We allow past hurts, problems and bitterness to hold us back resulting in unforgiveness. To not forgive someone is harboring a bitter poison. Someone has defined forgiveness as the “scent flowers give when they are trampled on.”

We cannot live wrong and die right. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. The depths of God’s love for you are indescribable. To commit to him is life’s highest calling. It is the only way to peace and the purpose of life.

Hope can never be lost, for believers have a God of endless hope. The light of the glorious gospel is an eternal flame, lighting the way for the wandering soul. The same one who triumphed at Calvary paved the way for you and me.

Many of us die without really enjoying life to the fullest. Life is meant to be lived, not just survived. Discover God’s goal and purpose for your life and pursue that purpose with diligence and commitment.

Rise up in Jesus and soar with the eagles. Those who follow Jesus fly with joy on wings of love. As for me, I love to fly!

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]