Did you know there are over 60 different types of Eagles in the world? Some of which can grow up to 3 feet in height, having strong, muscular wings with a span of 6 to 8′ long. They are known to have excellent vision, large strong talons, and with their swiftness, it makes them excellent hunters.
Years ago when I was in my late teens, some friends and I went on a ski trip to Killington, VT. At that time, I came from the city where small backyards, traffic, buildings, and a fast pace life was all I knew. I had never been to Vermont before and I remember being excited that I was getting the chance to experience something different and new.
The day we left, it wasn’t until sometime after dinner. We were expecting the drive to be at least three to four hours until we got there.
As we got further out of the city and closer to our destination, it started to snow. I remember feeling very nervous as we drove up and down the hills in nearly whiteout conditions, and I didn’t notice my surroundings because it was so dark and snowy.
When we finally arrived at the motel it was late and I was thankful we had made it there safely.
The next morning when I woke up, the sun was beaming through the curtains, and I must say, after driving in such darkness the night before it was in all aspects “a ray of sunshine.”
The sun was so beautiful coming into the room that as soon as my feet hit the floor I headed straight for the door to see more of it. When I opened the door, I got startled and immediately stepped back. I never expected to see such an enormous and beautiful mountain right in front of me.
All weekend I admired the mountains and wildlife I saw surrounding me. The feelings I was having, made me feel close to God the Creator of it all, and that’s when I became hooked by the beauty of nature.
Years later, I am enjoying nature even more. I admire and appreciate it in a whole new way since I know God on a personal level. I know nature is a gift from God and he wants me to take the time to enjoy it.
Now that I have a whole new perspective on nature, I’m finding the creepiest things like insects fascinating instead of being afraid of them.
My husband and I are making the time to watch the different kinds of birds visiting the bird feeder in our yard. I even like the ground hog that digs up my yard and visits me on the deck. I can’t say my husband shares those feelings, but he allows him to take occupancy under our sun room.
In the Bible God uses nature many times as an illustration to help us understand the point He is trying to make, which brings me back to the eagle. Now when I’m reading scriptures that have to do with nature it brings a whole new meaning to them.
Exodus 19:4
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
When I read this scripture in Exodus, I refer back to what I know about the eagle; the wings are muscular and very strong. The knowledge of that gives me a picture, which helps me visualize the strength of God better.
Dueteronomy 28:49
The Lord will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand,
I picture the eagle in this scripture having the strength to go the distance and the swiftness, as it’s coming down to capture it’s prey.
Isaiah 40:31
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.
After doing research on eagles and viewing some of the videos, I saw when eagles fly it’s almost effortlessly, in comparison to a duck who has to flap continually to get to it’s destination. As I pictured an eagle soaring along, I could imagine feelings of peacefulness and rest.
The Lord says in Matthew 11:28;
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
I also learned that while other birds will flee from a storm, eagles will fly directly into it, using the wind to lift them above the storm.
What a picture! While the storms of life are coming, Jesus is with us. He fills us with peace as He takes us through, and then above, the stormy circumstances in our lives.
Throughout your day, stop and take time to enjoy the gift of nature that God has given us. I know when I do that, I feel closer to Him and I believe it’s because He has put His creation here as a reminder that He is always with us.
