There is an “aha” moment in the life of every young eagle. The revelation comes at the most opportune time, during the worst crisis of its life, while it is plummeting towards the earth. Forces of gravity yank it faster and faster toward the ground. Utter panic sets in as it desperately scrambles to break its fall. It instinctively tries to lighten itself. As it attempts to push off the two “weights” that have dangled at its side, it discovers their true purpose. The weights catch air, giving the bird lift. It soars; visiting heights it could have never attained, if not for its mortifying freefall to earth. No wonder its mother pushed it out of the nest, catching it before impact over and over, until it learned a central truth of its existence, that those weights are wings.
The greatest crisis in my 50 years of life was an appointment with the ground during my battle with Stage IV metastatic melanoma. He had pushed me out of the nest to learn that my weaknesses are my true strengths. My education continues. He catches me each time I fall; each time I fail to flap. So be patient with yourself and others, until we all grasp a central truth of our existence, those weights are wings that lift us to God.
Paul said his weights were wings in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
Isaiah had an aha moment too, though it appears his readers hadn’t yet:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary. And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:28-31).
What is weighing you down today? Only what can lift you up tomorrow.
