November 6, 2020

Shortly after the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress asked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams to design an official seal for the our new nation. The Second Continental Congress selected the bald eagle as the US national symbol on June 20, 1782. The eagle is an amazing and powerful bird. Its wingspan can reach over 7 feet and it has the largest tree nests ever recorded (13 feet deep and 8 feet wide). Benjamin Franklin was disappointed because he wanted the national symbol to be a turkey. A turkey? Can you believe it? Who is intimidated by a turkey? Right now you’re probably thinking of how good that turkey is going to taste in a few weeks. Has anyone ever played the game of what kind of animal you’d be if you were one? I’m certain no one ever picked a turkey, but I’d bet most people would love to fly like an eagle!

Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
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.

One hymn growing up I loved hearing was called On Eagle’s Wings and the chorus is below:

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

Our strength isn’t enough many times, so place all your hope in the Lord. The thought of being held in the palm of His hand or soaring on wings like an eagle is amazing, but our Lord is capable of more than amazing.

Brian Pilon