CHICKEN WINGS OR EAGLES’ WINGS: RISING INTO THE STRENGTH OF GOD By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
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Introduction
Throughout the Scriptures, God frequently uses vivid imagery to communicate profound spiritual truths. Among these images, the contrast between weakness and strength, fear and courage, earthly limitation and heavenly empowerment appears repeatedly. One of the most powerful illustrations is found in the promise that those who wait upon the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles. This image communicates the extraordinary transformation that occurs when believers place their complete trust in God.
In everyday life, people often live far below the level of strength and purpose that God intends for them. Many believers remain trapped in cycles of fear, insecurity, spiritual stagnation, and limited vision. They struggle through life burdened by doubt, weakness, and discouragement. Instead of rising above circumstances, they become overwhelmed by them.
The metaphor of “chicken wings” represents this condition of spiritual limitation. Chickens are creatures that rarely fly high. Their movement is mostly confined to the ground, and their behavior often reflects anxiety, fear, and restlessness. They flap briefly but cannot soar. In spiritual terms, believers who live with “chicken wings” remain bound by fear, doubt, and a lack of faith in God’s power.
In contrast, the eagle represents spiritual strength, vision, courage, and elevation. Eagles soar high above storms, riding the currents of the wind with remarkable endurance. They do not remain trapped on the ground but rise into the higher realms of the sky. In the same way, God calls His people to rise above fear, doubt, and spiritual mediocrity by waiting upon Him and receiving renewed strength through His power.
This lesson explores the profound difference between living with “chicken wings” and living with “eagles’ wings.” It examines the importance of courage, obedience, spiritual vision, and reliance upon God’s strength. It also reflects upon the example of Jesus Christ, whose life demonstrated complete dependence upon the Father and unwavering commitment to divine purpose.
In a world filled with intimidation, confusion, and spiritual opposition, God is calling His people to rise above mediocrity and fear. He desires believers who will wait upon Him, receive divine strength, and soar into the higher purposes He has prepared for them.
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Waiting on God: The Source of Renewed Strength
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31
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The promise of renewed strength is directly connected to the act of waiting upon God. Waiting does not imply inactivity or passivity. Instead, it refers to a posture of attentive dependence, where believers seek God’s presence, listen for His guidance, and trust in His timing.
Many people attempt to live by their own strength. They rely on personal intelligence, physical ability, or human strategies to overcome life’s challenges. However, human strength has limitations. It becomes exhausted, discouraged, and overwhelmed.
Waiting upon the Lord transforms this weakness into supernatural strength. Those who cultivate a deep relationship with God through prayer, worship, and meditation on His Word receive divine empowerment. Their strength is not merely psychological determination but spiritual vitality supplied by God Himself.
When believers learn to wait upon the Lord, they discover that their perspective changes. Instead of reacting to circumstances with fear, they rise above them with confidence because they know that God is their source of strength.
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The Courage to Rise Above Fear
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid.” — Joshua 1:9
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Fear is one of the primary forces that keep people spiritually grounded. It convinces them that they are incapable of fulfilling God’s calling. It magnifies obstacles and diminishes faith.
When God commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, He repeatedly commanded him to be strong and courageous. The task before Joshua was daunting. He faced fortified cities, powerful armies, and uncertain circumstances. Yet God assured him that divine presence would accompany him.
Courage is not the absence of difficulty but the decision to trust God in the face of difficulty. Those who possess “eagles’ wings” refuse to be dominated by fear. They rise above intimidation because they believe that God’s power is greater than any opposition.
The call to courage remains essential for believers today. Spiritual growth requires the willingness to trust God beyond the boundaries of comfort and familiarity.
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The Example of Jesus Christ: Obedience Without Fear
“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” — Luke 22:42
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Jesus Christ demonstrated the ultimate example of courage and obedience. He was fully aware of the suffering that awaited Him on the cross. Yet He did not retreat from His mission.
The strength that enabled Jesus to endure such suffering came from His continual communion with the Father. Throughout His earthly ministry, He regularly withdrew to pray and seek God’s presence. These moments of waiting upon God provided the spiritual strength necessary to fulfill His mission.
Even when surrounded by opposition from religious leaders who sought His destruction, Jesus remained focused on God’s purpose. Their accusations, threats, and hostility did not distract Him from His calling.
In this sense, Jesus exemplified the reality of living with “eagles’ wings.” He rose above earthly opposition and remained steadfast in obedience to God’s will.
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The Danger of Spiritual Blindness
“Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not?” — Mark 8:18
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One of the reasons many believers remain spiritually limited is the presence of spiritual blindness. This condition occurs when individuals fail to recognize the fullness of what God has provided through salvation.
Some believers live as though they are still bound by the limitations of their former lives. They remain trapped by fear, sickness, discouragement, and doubt because they have not fully embraced the transforming power of Christ’s work.
Spiritual blindness prevents believers from seeing the higher vision God has for their lives. Like cataracts that obscure physical vision, spiritual blindness distorts the believer’s understanding of God’s promises.
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, God desires to remove these limitations and restore clear spiritual vision. When believers recognize the authority and freedom given through Christ, they begin to rise above limitations and walk in renewed strength.
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The Power of the New Life in Christ
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Salvation through Jesus Christ represents far more than forgiveness of sins. It is the beginning of an entirely new life. Believers are transformed spiritually and given the life of Christ within them.
This new life carries divine authority, power, and purpose. Believers are no longer meant to remain bound by the weaknesses of the old nature. Instead, they are called to walk in the fullness of the new creation.
The enemy continually attempts to convince believers that they must remain trapped in their old limitations. Yet the truth of the Gospel declares that through Christ, believers have been given access to victory, healing, and spiritual freedom.
Living with “eagles’ wings” means embracing this new identity and allowing the power of Christ to shape every aspect of life.
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Rising Above Opposition
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31
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Throughout history, those who walk closely with God have faced opposition. Spiritual leaders, prophets, and faithful believers often encounter criticism, misunderstanding, and hostility.
Jesus Himself experienced constant opposition from religious leaders who resisted His message. Yet He did not allow their hostility to distract Him from His mission.
Believers who possess “eagles’ wings” rise above such opposition. They do not become entangled in arguments or discouraged by criticism. Instead, they remain focused on God’s purpose and continue to pursue His will faithfully.
When believers depend on God’s strength rather than human approval, they gain the freedom to live boldly and faithfully.
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Summary
This lesson highlights the profound difference between living with “chicken wings” and living with “eagles’ wings.” Those who live with fear, doubt, and spiritual limitation remain grounded and unable to rise above life’s challenges.
In contrast, those who wait upon the Lord receive renewed strength. They develop courage, spiritual vision, and unwavering commitment to God’s purposes.
Through prayer, obedience, and dependence upon God’s power, believers can rise above fear and walk in the fullness of the new life provided through Jesus Christ.
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Conclusion
God never intended His people to live in spiritual weakness or mediocrity. He calls them to rise above earthly limitations and to walk in the strength provided through His presence.
The promise remains clear: those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and soar with wings like eagles.
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Call to Action
Each believer must decide how they will live. Will they remain grounded in fear and limitation, or will they wait upon the Lord and rise into the strength He provides?
God invites His people to seek Him diligently, trust Him completely, and embrace the new life available through Christ.
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Final Word of Encouragement
The journey of faith may include challenges, opposition, and moments of uncertainty. Yet those who trust in God will never lack strength.
As believers continue to wait upon Him, He will lift them higher, strengthen their faith, and enable them to fulfill the purpose He has prepared for their lives.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You today acknowledging my need for Your mercy and forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son who died for my sins and rose again so that I might receive eternal life.
Today I repent of my sins and surrender my life completely to You. Forgive me, cleanse my heart, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit.
Help me to trust in You, to wait upon You, and to walk in the strength You provide. Teach me to rise above fear and to live according to the new life found in Jesus Christ.
Lord Jesus, I receive You as my Savior and Lord. From this day forward, I choose to follow You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
