Running Into the Wind
Not too long ago, I had a few weeks with limited exercise because of a host of commitments and a body that was a little out of sorts. I’m always amazed at how quickly I can get lulled into physical lethargy if I’m not paying attention. And that’s where I found myself on this morning…a little lethargic! However, when God gave me a new day with sunshine– I decided it was time to throw myself out the front door.
The first thing that greeted me before I even hit the button on my watch was the wind. Great. Nothing like exhausting me before I even get started. But I started, nonetheless. The pleading started early but to no avail. When I rounded the corner, I was sure the wind would be in my favor. Wrong again. But I kept going.
More than half of my walk/run was into the wind. And as each foot forward propelled me further and it was clear that God was not going to change the wind speed and direction on my behalf, so my focus began to change. I moved from a spirit of complaining to a spirit of acceptance and gratitude because I recalled how eagles fly and remembered a verse from Scripture: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run, and not be weary; they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV) God has lessons for us by observing eagles.
Most birds (and most other creatures for that matter) seek shelter from a storm. Not the eagle. The eagle turns to face the wind and flies into the storm. By doing so, it is able to reach spaces that it’s not able to reach in good weather. Up in those higher altitudes, eagles have access to broader perspectives which ultimately help them find the food they need to survive. Once they reach altitude, the eagles soar – which means they don’t have to exert as much energy flapping their wings. Soaring gives the eagle perspective, rest, and a better view of where to find food. It’s also interesting to watch an eagle parent its babies in a storm. It spreads its wings over the nest and tucks the babies underneath to protect them from the wind and the rain.
We cannot avoid the storms of life. We cannot avoid the wind and the rain that comes with them. But we can leave ourselves open to letting God work in the midst of the storm. We can face into the wind and trust that He will show us perspectives and Godly wisdom that we would not have received in the “good weather”.
I’ve been through many storms in my life and I’m sure there are more to come. But I am confident of this:
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91: 4, 11 – NIV) Under God’s wings, I am protected from the full-on damage of storms so that I can take to the heights He has planned for me. His love and lessons travel with me to the higher spaces.
My run was a lot of work. But it got easier when I stopped focusing on my current circumstances and shifted my mind to my Lord and Savior. Before I knew it, I was back home, not tired, and full of gratitude for His love and strength. The wind makes me stronger. I don’t like it – but it definitely makes me stronger.
If you are facing fierce winds, remember that God gave you spiritual wings to fly…even when those winds are pounding you in the face and beating against your body. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Hold on tight. He will guide you to heights you never thought possible.
“Lord, thank you that we do not have to face the winds and the storms alone. As I navigate through some heavy winds, please show me what You need me to see, calm my heart, and help me to be obedient so that I can enter the spaces and heights you have for me.”
The first thing that greeted me before I even hit the button on my watch was the wind. Great. Nothing like exhausting me before I even get started. But I started, nonetheless. The pleading started early but to no avail. When I rounded the corner, I was sure the wind would be in my favor. Wrong again. But I kept going.
More than half of my walk/run was into the wind. And as each foot forward propelled me further and it was clear that God was not going to change the wind speed and direction on my behalf, so my focus began to change. I moved from a spirit of complaining to a spirit of acceptance and gratitude because I recalled how eagles fly and remembered a verse from Scripture: “They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they will run, and not be weary; they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV) God has lessons for us by observing eagles.
Most birds (and most other creatures for that matter) seek shelter from a storm. Not the eagle. The eagle turns to face the wind and flies into the storm. By doing so, it is able to reach spaces that it’s not able to reach in good weather. Up in those higher altitudes, eagles have access to broader perspectives which ultimately help them find the food they need to survive. Once they reach altitude, the eagles soar – which means they don’t have to exert as much energy flapping their wings. Soaring gives the eagle perspective, rest, and a better view of where to find food. It’s also interesting to watch an eagle parent its babies in a storm. It spreads its wings over the nest and tucks the babies underneath to protect them from the wind and the rain.
We cannot avoid the storms of life. We cannot avoid the wind and the rain that comes with them. But we can leave ourselves open to letting God work in the midst of the storm. We can face into the wind and trust that He will show us perspectives and Godly wisdom that we would not have received in the “good weather”.
I’ve been through many storms in my life and I’m sure there are more to come. But I am confident of this:
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart…For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91: 4, 11 – NIV) Under God’s wings, I am protected from the full-on damage of storms so that I can take to the heights He has planned for me. His love and lessons travel with me to the higher spaces.
My run was a lot of work. But it got easier when I stopped focusing on my current circumstances and shifted my mind to my Lord and Savior. Before I knew it, I was back home, not tired, and full of gratitude for His love and strength. The wind makes me stronger. I don’t like it – but it definitely makes me stronger.
If you are facing fierce winds, remember that God gave you spiritual wings to fly…even when those winds are pounding you in the face and beating against your body. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV). Hold on tight. He will guide you to heights you never thought possible.
“Lord, thank you that we do not have to face the winds and the storms alone. As I navigate through some heavy winds, please show me what You need me to see, calm my heart, and help me to be obedient so that I can enter the spaces and heights you have for me.”
Posted in Women of Grace
3 Comments
Thank you for the insight that eagles fly into the storm and use the wind of the storm to get to food.
It is encouraging and comforting that God promises to be with us in the storm and to use it for our good...our sanctification and transformation. Thank you for your suggested prayer ....Amen. Kim
It is comforting, too, that we have the Body of Christ to walk with us as we face the trials of life. God unites us uniquely to carry each others’ burdens & that can make all the difference. We are a blessed people!!!
Indeed we are a blessed people. I am so grateful to those who have (and continue to) walk through life with me. We need each other for so many reasons. God's plan for relationship is amazing.