Rise and Fly

MID-YEAR RENEWAL!
Terry R. Baughman

God said, “Let there be life! Let the waters swarm with sea life, and let the sky be filled with soaring birds of every kind” (Genesis 1:20 TPT).

Few things are so beautiful as a flock of birds flying in synchronous motion effortlessly gliding through air. It seems by instinct they all dip and sway, then abruptly pivot in another direction as if by some practiced choreography. 

Watching birds fly so easily it is tempting to think we should also be able to do that. Some have tried. They fashioned mechanical wings to spread out and catch the wind. However, most experiments failed miserably. Small successes in the efforts led to fixed wing gliders and eventually motor-powered propellers and powerful turbines. Yes, we can fly, but never as natural and easily as a bird born with the instinct and the God-given aerodynamics to do it without thinking. 

From the days of Creation there have been birds to fill the sky, lifeforms to inhabit the oceans, and a vast variety of creatures populating the planet. Everything has a place and a divine order and everything functions properly in that order. 

The prophet Isaiah drew inspiration from the eagles and other birds that soar through the skies. These images provided a metaphor for the boundless freedom that comes in relationship with God. While it’s not a literal promise, it is a prophetic prediction that those who develop an intimate relationship with God will find spiritual liberty. Isaiah said they will rise up in flight, stretching out their wings to grasp the grace of His deliverance and soar above the chaos. They will fly like eagles, high above the prey, and gracefully find their place in the presence of the Creator. 

Let us refocus our gaze and fasten our eyes on the one who made us to rise, to soar, and  experience the glorious liberty of the children of God. It’s time to rise and fly!


Theme passage:
“They will rise up on soaring wings and fly like eagles, run their races without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up” (Isaiah 40:31 TPT).