Isaiah 40:31 – 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. (NIV)

During a trip to the outer banks of North Carolina, I had an opportunity to visit the Wright Brothers National Museum. It was interesting to see the actual spot where the brothers launched the very first successful flying machine in the history of the world. Yet this great event could not have occurred without years of research, determination, and painstaking trials.

Stones now mark the areas where the gliders had landed. The first flight took place on December 17, 1903, lasting only twelve seconds, at a distance of 120 feet. This accomplishment was a giant leap forward in the progress of aviation technology. Today, a large monument commemorates the Wright brothers' success. The last line of the inscription reads, "Achieved by Dauntless Resolution and Unconquerable Faith".

Most intriguing to me was the apparent fascination with birds that inspired Wilbur and Orville Wright to fly. After observing these wonderful creatures in flight, the brothers carefully designed their aircraft by modeling the aerodynamics managed by birds in manoeuvering their wings to create lift. Amazingly, the flying pattern of birds played a major role in engineering what turned out to be the most outstanding aeronautical device of the time.

Reflecting on these thoughts, I see today's Scripture in a new refreshing light. Appropriately, Isaiah depicts the image of the eagle as a symbol of hope, strength, and power. These birds with their broad wings are known for their ability to soar at great heights. It is also believed that eagles can adjust their wings to rise above a storm, thus allowing the air to carry them over it. Furthermore, it is said that eagles fly toward the sun as if they could reach it, while their double eyelids and eyebrows of feathers protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays.

So, like an eagle in flight, those who hope in the Lord will soar to even greater heights, allowing the Holy Spirit to lift their hearts toward the Son with new blessings, expectation, and strength for the journey.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind us each day that with You, nothing is impossible. Enable us to look toward Your Son, Jesus Christ, with an everlasting hope. May the brilliance of His light replenish our hearts and refresh our minds with the joy and expectation so generously extended to us from above. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lori Ciccanti <dlalsina@mchsi.com>
Ocean View, Delaware, USA
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