UNDERSTANDING ADVERSITY: PART SEVENTEEN

 

UNDERSTANDING ADVERSITY PART SEVENTEEN

 

We have just concluded sixteen points on Understanding Adversity and why God allows it.

I want to remind you that these points are my own thoughts and what I have found from Scripture to be true. You however need to research your own Bible on each topic and see what the Lord tells you. My points to you are stepping stones hopefully to cause you to dig deeper.

Now we are going to move away from these points on adversity and I’d like us to take a look at some interesting thoughts on what are the benefits of these turbulent winds of adversity when they come?

Yes, I said benefits and as we progress you will understand.

Number 17 is What I would Like To Call The Mystery of The Eagle and Godliness. But first, here is a good memory verse to apply to your heart and always remember it if you do not already know it.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, and they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 31;.

 Remember: God does not permit adversity for the purpose of defeating us but rather for the purpose of benefiting us.

So, What Are The Benefits Of Turbulent Winds? Well, I found that the eagle and the Christian walk have something of the same in common so let’s take the eagle for instance and see if it applies to our lives.

 First: Turbulent winds cause the eagle to fly higher.

a. There is a tremendous lifting power in the thermal updrafts of turbulent winds.

b. These updrafts cause the eagle to reach great heights as he soars upwards with those winds. The same kinds of winds are used by aircraft to force them higher into the air.

In a Christians life the same thing occurs. The trials come and we look for ways to be lifted above the trouble. Turning to the uplifting power of the Holy Spirit we ar guided higher and away from those troubles.

Second: Turbulent winds give the eagle a larger view.

a. The higher the eagle flies, the larger will be his perspective of the land below him.

b. From this position the sharp eyes of the eagle are able to see much more.

In a Christians life when we rise above the trouble by focusing on the Lord and what He has done and will do, we are able to see much clearer and focus on staying above the trial with His help.

Third: Turbulent winds lift the eagle above harassment.

a. At lower elevations the eagle is often harassed by suspicious crows disgruntled hawks and other smaller birds.

b. As the eagle soars higher he leaves behind all these distractions.

Christians may be bothered by the distractions of life or the the trouble around them but when they allow the Holy Spirit to lift them above it all they too will leave all the distractions behind and focus on life in Jesus.

Fourth: Turbulent winds allow the eagle to stay high in the air for longer periods.

a. The eagle uses the winds to soar and glide for long periods of time.

b. In the winds the eagle first glides in long shallow circles downward and then spirals upward with the thermal updraft.

Much the same when a Christian focuses on the Lord and begins to worship Him they too can stay away from turbulent times for longer periods because  they choose to dwell in the Lords presence.

Fifth: Turbulent winds help the eagle to fly faster.

a. Normally the eagle flies at a speed of about fifty miles per hour. But when the eagle glides on the wind current, he can get up to speeds of 80 to 100 miles per hour.

The power of the Christian to rise above the pressures and temptations comes from our identification with the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and allows us to soar past the turbulent times. The Word of God says in Philippians 3:10;  

 “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” Philippians 3:10;

The key is in the first 5 words of that verse. “That I May Know Him”. Knowing Jesus causes us to rise above all the pressures of this life. Putting our trust in Him makes the walk much easier.

Sixth: And the sixth mystery of the eagle is that turbulent winds allow the eagle to use less effort. 

a. The wings of the eagle are designed for gliding in the winds.

b. Their feather structure prevents stalling and they reduce turbulence which produces a relatively smooth ride with minimum effort, even in rough winds.

Our ride through this life is deigned to me smooth and speedy when our complete trust is in Jesus Christ.

So the eagle displays for us a similarity in our walk. If we take those lessons to heart we will see victory at every turn. That means we will avoid unnecessary adversity and soar like an eagle.

In part 18 we will discuss  How To Avoid Unnecessary Adversity

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Shall we pray. If you do not Know Jesus as your Savior today, I invite you to say the sinner’s prayer with me now.

Lord Jesus, I come to you today in need of a Savior. I believe you came to this earth as a man and walked among us teaching and healing and saving souls. I acknowledge today that I am a sinner and that you died for me and rose on the third day, ascended to Heaven and are seated by the Father. I ask you to forgive me of my sins and come into my life and be my savior today. I believe I am now born again and one day I will be with you forever. Thank you in Jesus name. Amen

See you in Part 18. Have a blessed day.