This is just too perfect to miss!

Two nights ago I read this in my devotions, written by one of my favorite authors. I actually thought at the time, "Uh oh, I bet this is going to be applicable really soon!" And indeed, last night happened. :} So I went back and read it again tonight:

 . . . difficulties, problems and pain are part of God's plan for our lives - to force us to an end of our own self-sufficiency and self-righteousness to the point of crying out to God - who alone is able to sustain us. 

James 1:12 reminds us that "blessed, happy, to be envied is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved he will receive the victor's crown of life which God has promised to those who love him."

God is willing to do anything to jar us out of the world's mold so that our hopes and lives center on Him. 

The eagle's flight serves to remind us about our walk as Christians. The eagle does not beat his way through the air like a parrot. Rather the mature eagle is able to mount and ride the wind currents . . . 

Isaiah 40:30-31 "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."

Our Christianity should not be a matter of 'beating the air' but rather, a solid confidence that the Spirit of God is at work in our lives. Our experience is one of learning God's ways as we are led by God's Spirit. 

Our confidence is in the fact that He who has called us will not abandon us: Deuteronomy 33:27 "The Eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms."

- Neal Peterson, my beloved dad, to the graduating class of Lomalinda High School in the '80's