A Day-by-day devotional

January 6, 2023

Fly like the eagle

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Job 10-14

Scripture of the Day: Isaiah 40: 17-31

I could very well remember my first flight. It was a 17-hour non-stop flight to the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. I have never been on a plane before. There were only a few passengers on that flight and I got all three seats to myself. Therefore, I was able to really lie down during the flight and slept all the way, except at times when food was served.

In 1903, the Wright Brothers achieved the feat of successfully flying the first powered airplane. The brothers Wilbur and Orville observed how birds move their wings for balance and control. As a result of their investigation, they were able to develop the concept of wind warping and from there designed their airplane.

One of the most magnificent and strongest of birds in flight is the eagle. The bible talks about the Lord renewing the strength of those who hope in Him and compares the restoration they would receive, to that of an eagle (Isaiah 40: 31). We can also read that God spoke about Him carrying the Israelites on eagle‘s wings as He delivered them from slavery (Exodus 19:4).

The 40th chapter in the book of Isaiah offers a message of comfort and redemption. It calls us to turn our eyes towards God, who is our true hope.

Non-stop flights between my home country, the Philippines, and Europe have now become scarce for economic reasons. Therefore, passengers with these points of origin and destination would have to take two or three flights instead of one.

Unlike most airplanes which need to stop and re-fuel, golden eagle can fly a length of 310 km in a day. That’s a quite a long flight, even for a bird its size. Its wings are also really strong that they are able to carry something weighing almost the same as the eagle itself. Strength and endurance similar to this, similar to that of the eagle, are being promised to us. The only key to their reception is hope! When we hope in the Lord, despite the challenges and difficulties we have in life, we can fly like an eagle!

Reflection: Whenever you think your own strength will fail you, you are right. It would really fail you. Trusting and hoping in God, however, will renew your strength.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, In my weakness you are my strength. And it is in my weakest that your work in my life is revealed the strongest. Whenever I cannot, you lift me up so that my I-cannots turn to I-cans. You make me strong! I thank you. Amen.

References:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents:k-4/home/F_Who_Invented_Aeroplane.html

http://www.history.com/.amp/topics/inventions/wright-brothers

http://www.sserenewables.com/media/1ldehntt/how-far-do-eagles-fly-in-a-day.pdf