Turbulence in Life
Deuteronomy 32: 10 – 12
Disruptions in life are allowed by God for a reason. Realizing that is a step in the right direction. Next consider the purpose. Then, work with God to get the blessings therein.
Verse 11 describes a phenomenon of nature. It is a depiction of a mother eagle’s treatment of her young that are now ready to leave the nest. The nest has become comfortable for them, but they have outgrown it and a bigger world awaits. Eagles are among the largest of birds. They often weigh 12 or 13 pounds and have a wing spread of approximately seven feet. An eagle’s nest, called an aerie, is made of sticks and is lined with green leaves. Once a year the female lays one or two eggs. Often the male will assist in the nesting duties. In about 40 days they hatch. Both parents guard the nest and provide food.
At about 11 or 12 weeks of age, the eagle “stirs up” her nest, or rocks it, causing the little eagle to fall out. It is forced to fly or fall. The little guys flop and flounder, but can’t fly at first. These little aeronautical novices fall rapidly while flapping their wings with little motor control. The parent eagle is circling nearby and swoops beneath the falling fledgling, catching it on her back and safely returning it to the welcomed nest. She will often carry it on her back to even dizzier heights and dump it. This appears at first to be harsh treatment, but it is a developmental process. It is a time of change.
Two questions. Haven’t you had experiences like that; maybe even now? Hasn’t the Lord always been available to be, in effect, your safety net?
Sometimes what we consider a desert land, a wasteland, a howling wilderness, is simply God stirring up our nest. While we complain and gripe, He swoops down to rescue us.
The purpose was not to give us an occasion to complain, but to learn. Such occasions afford the opportunity to grow and observe the character of our loving and sufficient God.
In your frightful falls remember they are occasions for Him to strengthen you. Now see what is in store.
It is confidence in His Word that is needed to soar with wings as eagles. It is trust in God to bring to accomplish all He has promised, even when our instincts seem to suggest the opposite or appear to contradict His promised truth. Those who wait on the Lord are those who have the inner confidence that God will keep the promises He has made to His people.
Remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We have a lot of weaknesses, He has even more strength.
At the end of Isaiah Chapter 40 are some well-loved verses that have encouraged generations through centuries of time, “Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall but those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will rise up high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”