“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.” (Isaiah 40:31)
This is the verse that came to mind the day we got within touching distance of a bald eagle.
We are not strangers to eagles, they often sore over the field next to our house in search of a satisfying meal. Their wings are large and powerful and they are fascinating to watch. Their white heads and tails glimmer and reflect the sunlight as if drawing attention to themselves without trying.
Let me tell you my bald eagle story and then I want to share with you why we need to learn to mount up with wings like eagles. If you are here because you are asking yourself “what’s the meaning of Isaiah 40:31?” keep reading!
They Shall Mount Up with Wings Like Eagles: How I got within Touching Distance
The kids and I were headed to town, everyone buckled into the van and chatting 100 mph. What we needed at the store and what we were having for dinner was in the forefront of my mind.
As we pulled out of our driveway, we noticed large hawks flying over the field. We watched their powerful brown wings circle to the road and back to the field. Then we saw an eagle do the same. Ravens and crows were also circling.
Of course, we had to investigate. We followed the hawks around the corner and there was an eagle at the side of the road pulling away at the flesh of an unfortunate animal.
It’s sharp hooked beak and white head expressed who he was. He eyed us as we slowly drove up to him. I rolled down the passenger window so I could get a better look (and a picture!)
Hawks and ravens were circling back and forth waiting for their turn at a meal. We watched as the eagle ate. Slowly, without hurrying. He knew the other birds were there, but he clearly did not feel threatened.
Nor did he feel threatened by us.
Soar On Wings as Eagles Meaning: His Safety is in the Sky
Any time we encounter a wild animal, it is fascinating to us. Of course, we talked about it for days after while Caleb and Micah told everyone we know about it.
What kept running through my head, however, was the fact that the eagle was not afraid of us. Nor was he afraid of the other large birds who were respectfully waiting their turn.
He was not afraid because he knew who he was. This huge bird knew he was the ruler of the skies. He knew that at the first sign of danger, his strong wings could swiftly carry him to the safety of the sky.
I want to be like that eagle. I long to believe who I am as a child of the Most High. I desire the confidence that I can mount up with wings like eagles at the first sign of danger.
Obviously, this does not mean that we escape danger altogether, it only means that we know where our safety lies.
What does it mean to mount up with wings as eagles? The eagle’s safety lies in the sky. Ours lies with our creator.
This is not the first time God has used an eagle to show me something. I remember Rebekah’s first birthday after her accident. The six of us were gathered at the cemetery.
I was in a dark place. So dark. An eagle flew overhead. I knew God was trying to tell us that He was with us. God is good like that.
What Does it Mean to Mount Up With Wings as Eagles?
What does it mean to mount up with wings as eagles? We already talked about putting your trust in God. Let’s back up a bit and see who mounts up with wings as eagles.
“those who wait on the Lord”.
What does it mean to wait upon the Lord? I believe it means to put your trust in Him and allow Him to lead your life.
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
He 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. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
It is tempting to push through life on our own. We make our own decisions based on what is in front of our faces. We struggle with sin and powers of darkness. We try to be “good people” and treat others as we want to be treated.
But we struggle in vain. We are not meant to carry the weight of our lives by ourselves. Jesus said,
“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
What Does it Mean to be a Child of God?
So then, what does it mean to be a child of God? Why do I say that I want to believe who I am as the child of the Most High? This is kind of a vague question so I will answer it only in the context of my eagle story.
A child of God can bravely say, “yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalm 23:4)
We can stand before our giants of fear, temptation, anxiety, depression, and sorrow just as David did and proclaim that we are fighting with the Lord of Hosts.
Knowing that our God is with us, guiding us, supporting us, and loving us through all the heartaches of life.
We can be like the three Hebrew men facing a fiery furnace because of their refusal to bow down to gods of stone. “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)
To be a child of God means that we do not have to fear. We only have to trust.
What Does the Bible Say about Eagle’s Wings?
I didn’t realize how many verses in the Bible mention eagles. The only one I was familiar with was the one in Isaiah.
And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. (Exodus 19:3-4)
How beautiful is the concept of God carrying his people? Isn’t that what we need sometimes? To be carried?
“He found him in a desert land
And in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.
As an eagle stirs up its nest, Hovers over its young,
Spreading out its wings, taking them up, Carrying them on its wings,
So the Lord alone led him, And there was no foreign god with him.” (Deuteronomy 32:10-11)
God is taking care of His people like an eagle takes care of her young.
“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, And spread its wings toward the south?
Does the eagle mount up at your command, And make its nest on high? (Job 39:26-27)
God is talking to Job here and expressing who He is as God Almighty.
Facts about Bald Eagles
Just for fun, I thought I’d include some facts about bald eagles because I’m a facts girl 🙂
- Bald eagles mate for life. They find their mates at around 4 or 5 years old.
- Female eagles are larger than males.
- Bald eagles have a massive wingspan of about 7 feet.
- They are only found in North America.
- Bald eagles build very large nests. They add to their nest year after year. The largest eagle nest recorded was found in FL. It measured 9.5 feet in diameter and 20 ft deep.
- Bald eagles can sore at heights of 10,000 feet.
- They have incredible eyesight. They can see a mile away.
Farmers Almanac has a great article about bald eagles if you are interested in more facts.
Are You Ready to Begin Mounting Up with Wings as Eagles?
Are you ready, friends, to mount up with wings like eagles? Are you ready to trust your creator and face your fears? Do you believe who you are as children of the Most High and that you serve a God who carries you and protects you with His feathers (Psalm 91)?
If you are looking for a great Bible study help, click image below!
You might also like the Hope Series. Check these out!
Bible Verses about Hope and Healing
Bible Verses about Hope and Love
Bible Verses about Hope and Faith
Bible Verses about Hope in Hard Times
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This is a great post! I love the analogy of mounting up with wings like eagles. It really resonates with me.
I’m so glad!
Hi Heather, although I have been a Christian from my youth, I have been battling against anxiety, fear and depression as lately it seems the world is taking such a drastic turn for the worst and seems to be on a downward spiral. So many hurting people, so much evil and injustice, so much struggle! In my burdened heart the Lord spoke to my heart through my devotional which had a spiritual analogy using the eagle. What amazed me is that halfway through an eagles life he must go through a painful process of banging it’s beak and claws against the side of rocky Cliffs as well as painfully plucking out its feathers. In this process he renews what he needs to survive and ensures his survival for the later part of its life. I am sorry for your loss. I believe that eagle was the Lords way of encouraging you and assuring you your little one is with HIM enjoying heaven and one day you will be reunited with her in his presence. May our God reveal His love, strength and glory to all who are hurting, anxious, fearful, discouraged, bewildered, hopeless and broken-hearted . Amen
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! May God surround you with His peace and strength as you lean into Him during these troubling times.
Hi Heather, the eagle has always been my favourite. Thanks for your words .
Thanks for stopping by! I’m so thankful to hear you have been encouraged.
Thanks, Anton Minton for lessonsfromhome.co
Thank you so much
Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!
love the post thank
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Heather for that beautiful exposition and insight. It has propelled me upward by more than a thousand years. Do you have any insight to share on Mathew 10:16 using the characters of the animals involved just like you did in the case of eagles?
Hi Kay, thank you for stopping by! I do not have any posts based on Matthew 10:16 but it is a good idea. I think it would make a good study, wouldn’t it?
Heather, thankyou for sharing. You wrote beautifully and so glad I stumbled across your post. I am doing a bible plan, in the verses I read today, Isaiah 43:31 came up and how beautiful. It was such a powerful strong verse which I sat and contemplated for a while… so often I imagine taking off, soaring and being the success I know I am not for anyone else, but for me… not even success but the “light” I am! There is so much to learn from God, from the bible and through the challenges that crop up that have us sitting and weeping in pain, but no matter what, God is always there, watching, guiding and healing. I am learning and enjoying the process immensely… so again, thankyou. Thankyou for making the decision to share. Bless you.
Michelle, thank you so much for sharing with me what you are experiencing! May God continue to guide you as you seek His face and His will for your life. Soar on wings as eagles, my friend, in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Dearest Heather,
You have a most lovely Mission from God.
He has given you the Eagle. God Bless you and your loved ones.
🥰🙏❤🔥🦅🪶
Thank you for your encourarement! It means a lot.
Hi. Thank you for the encouragement. I just noticed something.. maybe what you meant is Exodus 19:3-4 and not Deutoronomy 19:3-4. (Typo maybe.)
Thanks again. Shalom ❤️??
And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. (Deuteronomy 19:3-4)
Oh goodness! Thank you so much Jean for pointing it out. I will fix it right away. Have a wonderful day!
Wow thank you so much for this wonderful message.
I to want to sour like an eagle.
So sorry about your loss.
God bless you and your family.
Must be amazing to be able to watch the eagles, hawks and other birds.
You will soar, Patricia! God is good like that. It is amazing to see large birds hunt in the field. We love living in the country 🙂
“To be a child of God means that we do not have to fear. We only have to trust.” Such a true statement Heather. Beautifully written and Eagles are breathtakingly beautiful.
Wow, what a beautiful article and such a great analogy. Amazing work!
Beautiful
I love this post and the Isaiah verse too. The strength, the care and the ability to carry us are all such encouraging and hopeful attributes. I read the post of Rebekah’s birthday, and it almost took my breath away when you mentioned the eagle sighting at the cemetery! God is so good, and I love how He gives us these glimpses of Himself when we need Him the most.
PS- loved the facts! I’m a facts girl too 🙂
Sometimes when we are in a dark place and cannot feel God, He will give us a visual. Isn’t it wonderful to serve a God who reaches down to us in our hurt and comforts us in ways we will understand? I have one more eagle story that I will share someday. So glad you liked the facts! Wouldn’t it be cool to soar at 10,000 ft?
Yes great story Heather, I too would like to sour like an eagle….working on it…..God is awesome……He is always with us….no matter what situation or circumstances we face we can always trust Him…….
Beautiful article. We too have hawks and eagles but have never gotten as close to one as you did. He was breathtaking! I love all the analogies the Bible has for the magnificent eagle!
I’m glad you get to experience birds of prey as well. We find them fascinating to watch! They always turn my thoughts heavenward.
I love your point here, “To be a child of God means that we do not have to fear. We only have to trust.” That is so true!
Doesn’t it make you feel like you are safe? We are all looking for a place of safety as we navigate the ups and downs of this fallen world.
I, too, didnt realize we had so many scriptures including eagles. What a beautiful thought, though. As the wings carry those beautiful birds to safety, our creator does the same with us. He covers us with His mighty hands as eagle mommas cover their young with their mighty wings.
It is beautiful, isn’t it?! What a wonderful God we serve!
I didn’t realize so many Bible verses contained “eagles” either. Very interesting! Thank God that with Him we can mount up with wings like eagles.
Yes! God knows we need to escape on those wings!
Thank you so much for this read, each sentence curated was an answer to my prayer this morning. From not being Afraid, to not navigating this life by myself to completely trusting in God. Again I appreciate you for this message. Have a blessed day, God bless you and your family. Amen
Anuoluwapo, I am so glad to hear that this encouraged you! May you continue to find strength and peace in our Heavenly Father!