"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." - Isaiah 40:31


Anyone who has ever watched an eagle or a giant condor soar knows what birds like these have learned: flying into the wind actually takes you higher. It's why airplanes take off into the wind-the air beneath their wings gives them lift they wouldn’t otherwise have. Here in Southern California we have what are known as "Santa Ana winds." They are so strong that airplanes will change their direction whenever possible to fly directly into them to get the extra lift.

If we would learn not to avoid the strong winds that blow but face them head on, we would gain strength and elevation we would otherwise never experience. Jesus released a strong headwind when He said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24).

Next time you're tempted to take the path of least resistance or fly with the wind rather than against it, remember the soaring eagle and make a decision then and there to fly against the wind. You'll very quickly discover something about yourself: you are stronger, can fly higher, and will be more focused than ever before.

You will never soar like an eagle if you take the path of least resistance.

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Father in Heaven, You never promised that following You would be easy. But You have promised to take me to higher places in my life if I follow You-no matter where you lead or how much resistance I face. Today I am choosing to soar high with You.
--Robert Schuller