Recently I heard a man of God share a heartfelt message for the Christians of America. There was unmistakable concern and compassion in his voice as he shared scriptures of comfort with those who felt drained of their spiritual strength. Summarizing what we were feeling, he said that American believers in Christ were under siege by an anti-God government. Our God-given freedoms were being trampled, sometimes under the guise of a created health emergency. Freedoms were being taken away in order to further political power.
For the past year and a half, we have been in a spiritual struggle, not only for the souls of men, but also for the soul and spirit of America. It is a clash of kingdoms, a conflict of the darkness of evil and fear, against the kingdom of God’s light. The war is fierce. Many Christians who follow God’s principles and pray constantly, have grown weary with “battle fatigue.” Longing to see the present chaos cease, and God’s righteousness prevail, people ask, “How long must we endure, Lord?”
Be encouraged! God has never lost a battle, and it is He who is leading His people. He has promised that there will be victory. Evil will be overcome, and the purposes of God will be fulfilled.
The apostle John wrote, “For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (NASB). We must have faith in God, for victory is on the horizon.
God’s prophet, Isaiah, encouraged the people of Israel with these words: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV).
God used the example of eagles to help the people understand His message. In order to fly as high as they do, 10,000 to 20,000 feet, the creator gave them a wide wingspan. For hours, they soar upon the thermals, gliding easily on the warm updrafts. Their exceptional eyesight helps them see their prey far below. Powerful leg muscles contract the eagle’s fierce talons, so they can hold their food, or use their talons as a defense. The eagle is regarded as a mighty warrior and protector of its young; therefore, a comparison can also be made to God protecting His people.
We can learn from the eagle in three ways. God created them for flight, for sight, and to fight. These traits can be applied to spiritual warfare. For those who have grown weary from the intensity of the conflict, it is time to soar on the supporting winds of the Holy Spirit. By that strength, we can rise above the turbulence. Once lifted, we will see with spiritual eyes what the enemy is plotting, and thus know how to defeat him. As we continue to fight in this unfolding war, we know that God is the ever-present wind beneath our wings. We can rise to great heights and soar without weariness. It is the time of the eagle.