Built for the Storm
Discovering the Strength Within: How Life's Storms Build Us Into Eagles
Built for the Storm
This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing a large bald eagle flying just a few car lengths ahead of me. It was surprising to all of us that an eagle would be flying around in our area, but before we could ask why, the eagle suddenly turned around and began flying toward our car. Wow! we all shouted. We were amazed to see such a magnificent bird so close and flying directly over us.
It is important to note that I was on the verge of crying at this time. Tired, frustrated, worn out by life and strife, I found myself in a hopeless spot. Lord, why won't things get better? Lord, when will things get better? Lord, how will things get better? Too worn out to hope, yet too committed to quit. I was exhausted.
Seeing the eagle made me remember the fact that the eagle's wingspan is actually created to soar in the storm. When the storm comes, most of the other birds will scurry to find shelter from the rain and strong winds, but the eagle sees this as an opportunity to have a little fun, sharpen his skills, and accelerate his capabilities. The storm is not his battlefield, but his playground. He realizes that he, in fact, was built for the storm, so he faces it head-on with great anticipation.
The Bible talks about those who wait upon the Lord mounting up with wings as eagles in the book of Isaiah. Our patience and trust in God in times of trouble and hardship will build in us a tenaciousness and strength that will enable us to face obstacles that others run from.
I realized today what I have forgotten for so long. I realized that when God created me, He did not create a pigeon or a parrot, but He created me with the same strength and vigor of the eagle. In Christ, I am not easily broken. In Christ, the storm does not destroy me; it only makes me stronger. In Christ, the strength my wings have gained through flying through difficult times enables me to soar higher and longer than those around me. I realized that I was not built to avoid the storm, but to face it head-on. I WAS BUILT FOR THE STORM, AND I CAN HANDLE IT!
The devil tries so hard to keep us discouraged. Eyes down, hearts heavy, and vision depleted. He knows that if we ever fully understand and embrace who God has created us to be, he is truly in trouble. I pray that we will lay down our Eeyore mentalities and embrace the fact that our divine Creator has granted us the ability to soar high above our problems and difficulties.
He has gifted us with supernatural stamina that the world cannot understand. People will look at you and not understand how you are STILL married. They won't be able to comprehend how you are STILL praising God after all that you have been through. As we mount up with wings as eagles, we will run and not grow weary; we will walk and will not faint. (Isaiah 63)
Just as that beautiful bald eagle demanded our attention and awe, your testimony and example will grab the attention of those around you who need to know that Jesus is STILL Lord, that God is STILL able, and that their life is not over because of the storm. The storm is only there to make you stronger! We are not as weak as we think! Turn and face your storm. Look to God for strength and direction, and buckle in for a wild, exciting ride! Nobody said it would be easy, but it will be WORTH IT!!!! Selah.
