John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
A few weeks ago, Greg and I
observed the release of a mature bald eagle at a federal fish hatchery
located near our house. The Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas officials
believe this bird was hit by a car, and they were able to nurse it
through the injury and release it back into the wild. Watching that
majestic eagle step from the kennel and soar into the trees was a sight
to behold. The bird perched in the tree for several minutes, then flew
down river and disappeared from sight.
Today, I looked out the
window in time to see an eagle soaring over the river behind our house.
Of course, I cannot say whether this is the same mature bald eagle we
watched return to its natural habitat a few weeks ago…but I like to
think maybe it was. The bird soared on currents and wove back and forth
for a couple of minutes before disappearing into the trees up river.
I
couldn’t help but think about today’s scripture verse. Some “force”
nearly cost this bird its life. I don’t know what caused a bald eagle
to collide with a car…but I do know that mean-spirited people actually
shoot and/or maim these birds – apparently for sport – which is a
federal offense. And yet, through the efforts of projects such as
Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, many injured and/or sick birds are
rehabilitated and released back into the wild. Many of those that
cannot be released are well cared for and utilized in the presentation
of educational programs around the state.
These birds are
“given life in all its fullness”. And surely, the God who offers such a
second chance to birds of prey will do the same for us. Maybe you’ve
been kicked around, knocked down, injured or struck by illness of some
kind. Maybe your hurts are of a more personal nature…and maybe you have
felt like “someone” was out to cause you harm – that their purpose was
to steal, kill and destroy. And you’ve wondered why God has deserted
you. The answer is that God has never left.
You may not see
it…you may not “feel” God’s hand in the circumstances of your life…but
like the loving folks who carefully rehab a bird of prey, God stands
ready to restore you and give you purpose. Things may not be like they
once were – you may not soar to the heights you once enjoyed. But God
may show you another course…He may redirect your path and give you new
objectives. Your job is to open your heart and mind to the
possibilities that He presents.
So what will you choose? Will
you wallow in the destruction of the “enemy”…or will you allow God to
rehab you – and “soar with the eagles”? The choice is yours…and God is
right beside you waiting for an answer. How will you respond?
©2015 Debbie Robus
http://www.rrca-raptors.org/
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