On Wings Like Eagles, January 30
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).
Endless hospital visits for blood draws, scans, and appointments. Emotional ups and downs. Medications that cause debilitating fatigue. Facing your own mortality. As you deal with the disease, you may discover a weariness beyond anything you have ever experienced.
God’s chosen people, the Israelites, tried to stand up against the attacks of other nations, but their resistance proved futile. Powerful, overwhelming military powers conquered their country. Most survivors were forced to leave their homes and travel to live in far-off countries as exiles. Many lives were lost.
After four decades, their hope of returning home faded. Their cries to God became faint. As their strength failed, the prophet Isaiah spoke to the people. He delivered a life-giving, hope-filled message from God.
“The Lord is the everlasting God.… 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” (Isaiah 40:28b-31 NIV).
Recently I kayaked down a creek near the North Carolina coast. As I observed nature’s beauty, I spotted an eagle soaring high above and ahead of me. It glided down and landed at the top of a tall, barren tree twenty-five yards ahead of me.
As I paddled closer the eagle looked at me, spread its broad wings, and left its perch. Swooping down, it caught the wind and soared even higher into the blue sky. The majestic creature flew further ahead of me before descending gracefully onto another treetop.
Each time I drew near, the eagle soared ahead to another treetop. After several repetitions, Isaiah’s words came to mind: “They will soar on wings like eagles.” A moment later the eagle flew away, climbing higher, until out of sight.
I thought of Brett, a friend of mine whose life had recently been lost to cancer. He had been only forty years old, with a young wife and child. After two years of battling, the young man’s strength had all but failed.
Though bedridden in his final days, by the grace of God, his spirit soared. Each moment the love of his family and the love of God surrounded him. He and his family treasured their precious time together.
At his funeral, we celebrated Brett’s life. The pastor, borrowing Isaiah’s image, assured us God had raised Brett from death to life in heaven. He had soared “on wings like eagles.” We could be confident he had made it safely home.
Like Brett, you can trust God in your cancer experience. In every difficulty, and even in death, God will be with you and uphold you. God will be the wind beneath your wings. Just as you cannot see the wind, you cannot see God, but you can see His wonderful, loving works. And if you spread your wings, you can soar.
Pray: Lord, when cancer makes me weak and weary, be the wind beneath my wings. Help me trust You and enable me to soar. Amen.
Your Turn: Many songs have been inspired by Isaiah’s words. Check them out: “I’ll Fly Away” performed by Alan Jackson, “Everlasting God” by Lincoln Brewster, and, of course, Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Take a few minutes to listen and thank God for His faithfulness in your life.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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