Spread Your Wings: Find Refuge in God's Loving Care
The imagery of eagle's wings is a powerful symbol in the Old Testament, representing God's strength, care, and loving kindness in delivering His covenant people (see Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 32:11).
Just as a mother eagle pushes her young out of the nest, encouraging them to fly, God nudges us to trust Him and take a leap of faith. As the eaglets spread their wings, the mother eagle swoops down beneath them, providing a gentle cushion. Similarly, when we feel like we're plummeting, unsure of what lies ahead, we can always turn to God. Just as a mother eagle pushes her young out of the nest, encouraging them to fly, God nudges us to trust Him and take a leap of faith.
Though our journey may take us through uncertain skies, God's presence is our steady anchor and guide. In the midst of challenges, and every difficulty, He's there to catch us in His love, to guide us through the struggles, and to refine us through the process. As we trust Him, we'll discover that His ways are not about avoiding every obstacle, but about trusting God, growing our faith, developing our character, and deepening our relationship with Him. It's about trusting God and learning from our experiences, rather than just focusing on being shielded from harm.
Throughout my own 52-year journey with God, I've experienced His faithful presence in times of need. I went through 34 years of abuse. I can tell you, that those times I felt scared to death, anxious, and doubt gripped my heart, I cried out to Jesus, and He was right there – listening, guiding, and helping me...just like the young eagle taking its first flight.
Despite the fear and danger I faced, I decided to trust God anyway! I figured if God was who he said he was, then he would have my back! So I determined right then and there - "FEAR... you're not going to win this time! I'm going to place all my trust in someone who's way mightier than you!!" And though I trembled from head to toe, I wasn't about to give fear permission to have the last word, so I took that first step of trust and faith towards Jesus, expecting He would catch me. And He did.
When we step out and trust God before we can even see the outcome, that's faith. But Faith only works if you put it in the right person! Jesus IS that right person because being perfect and sinless, He is incapable of lying or error. And contrary to belief, Jesus never came to condemn the world; he came to save it!
His eternal love and care for us are perfect, and his omniscience ensures that he will give us the very best outcome. He always has our best interest at heart. Last time I looked, I've not seen any on this earth that is smarter nor wiser than God, have you? For some to even entertain the idea that they are wiser than God, is the height of arrogance and pride, which brings man's fall. We would do well to seek his wisdom and guidance in our lives. There's simply no substitute for him or his redemptive power!
Challenges where we've stepped out in faith and trusted Jesus, not only deepen and strengthen our faith but also open us up to God's loving care and provision. As scripture says, 'Faith moves mountains.' By turning to God, we invite Him into our lives, and it's in these moments that He works powerfully and mightily on our behalf.
Fear can be a crippling force. It comes as a threatening storm, looming large and heavy, threatening to crush our very spirit! But the Bible tells us there's one whose perfect love drives out fear.' (1 John 4:18). Peter knew Him well! It was none other than Jesus! When His perfect love touches our hearts, it can't help but calm our storm. Suddenly He's in control, and as we keep our eyes fixed on Him instead of our storm, we experience freedom that comes only from knowing Jesus. There's no doubt we're loved and cared for. As we focus on God's goodness, faithfulness, and sovereignty, the things on this earth that threaten to make us fear, fade into the blue. That's the effect God's love has, on our fears!
It's amazing! We can not focus on faith and fear at the same time, right? Exactly! So, the more we keep our eyes on Jesus and immerse ourselves in His love, the more we'll see He's got this! He's in control. He's for us. His perfect love drives fear out the door, and we're soon able to walk in confidence, peace, and hope.
Seeing how I overcame my fears by trusting God, I would like to invite you to step out on faith and let God be your Rescuer, too. Just as I, you will see that God makes a way where there seems to be no way. I hope you realize that God is not a million miles away; His Holy Spirit stands alongside you, this very second, waiting to rescue you, as well. And just like me, you will see that He truly is a promise keeper, and you will see that He is trust-worthy.
If you think for a second that you're just so bad or so unlovable that God would never want you, then you don't know God. He made you, and He loves you more than words could ever say. Nothing is impossible for God. He's not mad at you for any reason; He only wants to rescue you and give you the life you deserve. What He did for me, He'll do for anyone. John 3:16 alone, tells us that. Jesus never came to save just a few or a certain group of people; your denomination has absolutely nothing to do with salvation. Jesus came to save the world, and He proved that on the cross. He did that for you and me, no matter who we are. You are saved not by your deeds, but by Christ's work alone, on the cross.
Don't believe the devil's lie; you don't have to get your life together or do better before God will accept you. He already loves and accepts you, just as you are! His love for you is unconditional; He will never turn you away. It's a good thing that God's love is not dependent upon performance, because I'd be lost today. But that's not the way God is; He will welcome you with open arms, guaranteed! But that's up to you. If you would like a brand new life in Christ, He's only a prayer away. He's not looking for fancy words; He's looking for a hurting heart that simply says, "Jesus, I want You, and I need You; please come into my heart and life as my personal Savior." He's hoping you'll do that today. You have his promise that he shall save you, and immediately send His Holy Spirit to touch your heart, transforming your whole life, the second you say yes to Christ.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16 and 17
This passage emphasizes a message of hope, redemption, and God's expansive love for humanity.
"The Lord is faithful to all his promises, and loving toward all he has made." - Psalm 145:13
Father God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ—our Creator, Redeemer, and Savior. We are grateful that He humbled Himself, taking on human form to pay the ultimate price for our sins. We receive Your forgiveness and embrace the grace to live victorious lives. Lord, we acknowledge our need for You and the power of Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen our faith, help us overcome doubt, and remind us to declare Your truth over our lives. We trust in Your promises and rest in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
