During my prayer time the other day, I saw a vision of an eagle soaring above the storm. It's not just soaring, but soaring above the storm, the thunder, the lightning. The eagle was somehow not affected by the storm. Instead, it was lifted higher above and over the storm!
We all know what storm is, wherever we are living in this world - be it tropical storm, snow storm, sand storm, etc. However, in some nations, there can also be economic storm, political storm, etc. All in all, 'storm' basically speaks of 'any disturbance in the atmosphere that comes with violent wind or shaking'.
But you see, in this vision, the eagle seemed to thrive over and above the storm; and not underneath or in the storm. In fact, the wind of the storm (or the current of the storm) lifted the eagle even higher than before the storm occurred!
What is the interpretation to this vision?
The Lord is saying: "For you who walk in the Spirit and are led by the Spirit of God, you are like that eagle!"
Therefore, the message today is this: In spite of the 'storm', whatever the 'storm' may be that is beyond your control (including the economic storm), the Lord is teaching you (His people) how to soar above the storm, what you can do during the storm, and even thrive during the storm!
Yes, this message is about riding on the wind of the Holy Spirit over and above the 'storm'. When many people are anxious, restless or struggling this year, the Lord is teaching you how to thrive and even move higher than ever before!
So, we will study on the mechanism behind why an eagle is different from other birds, and why the Scripture uses eagle as an example.
Let's look at the Scriptural basis for 'eagle' first. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, 'He (the Lord) gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.'
Notice that I've underlined these three key words - power, wait, eagles. We are going to study in detail these three words in Hebrew.
Why are eagles so extraordinary?
Eagles can fly up to three kilometer high up the sky, higher than most birds. Eagles can fly an average speed of 80 kilometer per hour, and with the right conditions, as fast as 160 kilometer per hour. And that's faster than the speed limit in many country's highways! And of course eagles' eyes are sharp, and eagles can see seven times better than we humans!
How do eagles rise above the storm?
During a storm, instead of fleeing, eagles often fly directly into the fierce and violent wind of the storm. Why? Because eagles know the updrafts in the storm (i.e. the current of the storm) can help them rise higher. In fact, the storm pressure actually helps eagles to glide above the storm without using much energy. The storm is therefore no threat to the eagles! Because they would fly above the storm! Hence, eagles are great examples of surviving and thriving even during a storm!
And you know what? There is peace above the storm! And the Lord wants you to soar with Him above the storm as well!
Eagles are not only swift and majestic, they are also sharp in their vision. The same should be for each of us. As we walk in the Spirit, we want to be sharp spiritually and be so sensitive in our spirit, so much so we can grasp and know whatever the Lord wants to speak to us and lead us in each time and season!
The word 'eagle' is 'nehsher' in Hebrew. This word comes from the root word meaning 'to break through, to rip (apart), or to tear (into something)'. In other words, when many in the world seem to fall under, be ripped apart by the enemy, or be torn apart by the enemy, you are the opposite! You are like that 'eagle', the spiritual eagle! Instead of falling under, being ripped apart by the enemy, or being torn apart by the enemy, the power of God in you will instead rip apart all those works of darkness that come against you! And that's why you see a breakthrough! You see the enemy being ripped apart, and not you! You see the enemy being torn apart, and not you!
The word 'power' is 'kowakh' in Hebrew. It can mean any of these: Force, capacity, might, strength, vigor, hardiness, substance. Yes, you can have all these in the face of the storm. You will not be so easily panicky or shaken, but you will triumph! Right now, the Lord is releasing to you this 'kowakh'! What better time to receive than in this time of the year!
The word 'wait' that you see in Isaiah 40:31 is 'kawvaw' in Hebrew. In the context of our study today, it is you 'kawvaw' in the Lord (or with the Lord). This word 'kawvaw' can mean:
- 'to unite by twining yourself with the Lord'. You see, by yourself, you cannot. But when you 'twine yourself with the Lord'; the Lord and you, you and the Lord; nothing is impossible!
This word 'kawvaw' can also mean:
- 'to gather or to collect from the Lord'. What do you gather or collect from the Lord? His power, i.e. 'kowakh'! How about His strength, His wisdom, His love, His joy, His peace? And the list goes on.
- 'to put hope in the Lord'. Indeed only He can give you the true victory and breakthrough that cannot be overturned by the enemy!
- 'to look eagerly and expectantly to the Lord'. It means you can expect something good from the Lord this year. Expect your healing. Expect your deliverance. Expect the hand of the Lord to clear away all the works of the enemy against you. Your part is to keep trusting in the Lord and walking with the Lord.
- 'to look patiently to the Lord'. The Lord knows the best timing for you. The Lord knows how to give you the breakthrough and victory - at the right time and at the right place!
So, that's why it's super exciting! The Lord has spoken, even at this juncture of our lives, and at this time of the year! Look not to man (or the things in the world that will fall away), but look to the Lord! Look to Him who is unshakable, and you are going to see yourself walking in greater heights, greater victories, and greater breakthroughs this year!
What matters most is your personal relationship with the Lord. I can't emphasize any further how important is your personal relationship and walk with the Holy Spirit this year. Pray in the spirit often. And that's how you can be more and more in tune with the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit who knows better and sees farther than anyone else on earth!
