“You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” (Exodus 19:4)
When I came out of hospital early this year, I had little energy and motivation to do much. When I woke in the morning, sometimes after very little sleep, it seemed that it was just too hard to get up out of bed. Contemplating what I had to do, or even what I hoped to accomplish in the day, seemed overwhelming.
In church one morning I was struck by the words of the song Eagles Wings* that seemed to relate so well to where I was at, just then. It talks about us being raised up on eagles wings–the power of the Spirit that helps us when we can’t do it alone. I’ve always loved the picture of an eagle, with wings spread, just gliding on the air currents in what appears to us, to be such an effortless ease.
We wait, longing for God’s Spirit to raise us up, breathe live into us, so we may rise up on eagles wings. Maybe that rising up is away from some difficult situation, or maybe just rising up to see a bigger picture–from God’s perspective– that might make this present situation, seem only a small thing in light of eternity.
I believe that God’s Spirit will raise us up in whatever way we need at that time–that He gives us the skill, resources, energy that we need, to do what He calls us to do. But sometimes I let my own circumstances, the dailyness of chronic pain, make it hard for me to remember. I forget that I need to look back at how many times before, God has given me what I need, the number of times when I have done so much more than I thought I could–because it mattered to God.
As God reminded the Israelites in the above verse, we can be carried by the hope our faith gives us–God’s faithfulness in our past, that promises us the same for our future.
Prayer: Father, help me to rest in You and allow You to take over every part of my life. Breathe your Spirit into me and when I falter, remind me that You have promised to raise me up again. Amen.
* Eagles Wings – Reuben Morgan
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful for the difference God makes in her life, and the lessons He is teaching her, as she lives with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to travel when she is able. You can contact her in the Sunroom.
Does the idea that God will carry us on eagles wings, bring you comfort? When has that made a difference to your circumstances?
This is absolutely the truth…and it’s what the Lord does for me. Even recently, although I myself have been so ill I can’t drive myself any where or do much, God has given me the energy and stamina I needed to come alongside my mom in the hospital as necessary. I have been absolutely flabbergasted at His provision!! One day I can’t barely even hope to have the energy and strength to pull three weeds in my front yard, and the next day I can march all over the hospital being there for my mother (though my husband does have to drive me there). Amazing grace!! Thanks for the reminder of God’s kind provision in Christ!
AJ, that’s just great.
Thanks for sharing your story.
Blessings,
Fiona
Fiona – this message you bring is timely in my life. I believe each of us can become so worn down that we forget beyond the immediacy of the “now” that is overwhelming. Yet there were the other times in the past just as overwhelming.. God sustains. Whether we are lifted up and out of our cicumstance or we need to rest under His wings, you are right – He is faithful.
Lynn
Fiona, I love this title. Deep in my heart I believe it but so seldom act like I do. My drive to get all the things done that I think I should seems so strong. And I’ve had enough experience to know that’s impossible. If God is the One I love and serve, above all others (including myself), His will for this day, or week, ought to be my overwhelming goal. My own way leads only to discontentment and frustration. His way, though it may not be easy leads to peace.
Thanks so much for this powerful reminder.
Beth
Oh, thank you Fiona! I REALLY needed to be reminded of this today….when there’s nothing in the tank at all! Such a blessing. Lotsoluv Kerryn (a fellow Aussie!!)
Fiona, I have been spending the last two days marching from one thing to another, so much “needs done.” To just rest under His wings sounds refreshing, and refilling. We just came home from a Minister’s conference that was a beautiful time seeing old friends, worshiping together with Larry, instead of him in the pulpit, and me in the pew. But when we arrived home, I was overwhelmed with catching up.
I am one of those who needs everything in it’s place before I can rest.
I need to rest. Your devotional was beautiful, thank you dear friend,
Sandra