Carried on Eagles' Wings: Trusting God Through Life’s Trials
Finding Strength, Peace, and Refuge in God’s Presence
I gave this lecture last summer to a Bible Study Group of sixty-six members of which I was a part until the November elections.
Opening Prayer
Lord and Heavenly Father, I place everyone listening to this message into Your loving hands. Guide them according to Your will so they may understand and be blessed by this message. May it draw them closer to You and strengthen their faith. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen!
Introduction
Today's topic is Remaining Patiently in Christ Through Life’s Challenges. How do we stay patient and steadfast in Christ when faced with trials? To answer this, let’s examine the life of David, who endured countless hardships and yet remained faithful to God.
The Trials of David
David was chosen and anointed by Samuel to be king of Israel, but before he could take the throne, he endured immense trials. King Saul, tormented by an evil spirit, initially welcomed David into his service as a lyre player. Whenever David played, relief came to Saul, and the evil spirit would leave him.
Meanwhile, the Philistines had gathered against Israel, led by the giant Goliath. For forty days, Goliath taunted the Israelites, but none dared to face him. When David, sent by his father Jesse to deliver food to his brothers at the battlefield, heard Goliath’s challenge, he resolved to fight him. Relying on his past victories over lions and bears as a shepherd, David stepped forward with only a sling and a stone. With one decisive strike, he defeated Goliath, leading Israel to victory.
Saul’s Jealousy and David’s Struggles
David’s triumph brought him fame, but it also stirred King Saul’s jealousy. As the women of Israel sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands,” Saul grew enraged. From that moment, he watched David with suspicion and twice attempted to kill him with a spear.
Fearing David’s growing success, Saul sought to eliminate him. He tried to trap David through marriage to his daughters, demanding a bride price of 100 Philistine foreskins, hoping the Philistines would kill him. Instead, David returned with 200 foreskins, further cementing his victory. Even Saul’s son Jonathan, who deeply loved David, intervened to protect him, convincing Saul to spare him. Yet, Saul’s jealousy persisted, and he continued his pursuit of David.
David’s Escape and Trust in God
David had to flee repeatedly. His wife Michal helped him escape through a window, and he sought refuge in caves and enemy territory. Despite being hunted, David refused to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity. Twice, Saul was delivered into his hands—once in a cave and again in his camp—but David, out of reverence for God’s anointed king, spared him both times.
For years, David lived as a fugitive, forced to seek asylum among the Philistines and even feign madness for survival. Yet, through all his trials, David remained steadfast in his faith, pouring his heart out to God in the Psalms. Some of these prayers are recorded in Psalms 59, 56, 34, 63, 52, 57, 142, 54, and 18. When Saul sent men to kill him, David prayed:
“Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who attack me… But I will sing of Your strength; in the morning I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” (Psalm 59:1,16)
Applying David’s Example to Our Lives
Like David, we all face hardships—whether it be illness, financial struggles, betrayal, or loss. Some endure these trials with strength, while others feel overwhelmed. The difference lies in our faith. As followers of Christ, we have the assurance that He is with us through every storm. Jesus said:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Unlike those who do not know Christ, we have access to His peace, which surpasses all understanding. He promises:
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Just as God protected David through every danger, He watches over us. When we surrender our burdens to Him, He works on our behalf. We are called to trust Him completely and rest in His promises:
“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)
Encouragement and Closing Prayer
I have seen my loved ones, even the brave ones, allow the struggles they face to grip them so tightly that they are not able to breathe normally. Their tensions and stresses have caused them internal damage, preventing them from eating normal food or getting a good night’s sleep. Yet, they do not understand that there is a God on this earth who can keep them in perfect peace, no matter what goes on around them.
Jesus gives us that kind of peace. Jesus doesn't give us away to the enemy, no matter what situations we face. Jesus has our back! He rescues us from all trouble, evil, harm, and danger. He is our refuge, a very present help in trouble. He is our shield and our very great reward! When we have Him for our Father, we need not fear anybody or any circumstance! He is the great bald eagle that sweeps us off our feet and carries us on His back when we do not have the strength to carry on with life anymore!
When we believe in our hearts and declare with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and that He was raised from the dead to give us eternal life, He will always have our back! He wants us to remain in peace at all times. He wants His peace to rule our hearts.
I pray that this message encourages you to trust God fully, laying down your worries before Him. May you find strength in His presence and peace in His promises.
Lord, I lift up everyone listening to this message. Help them cast their anxieties on You and rest in Your peace. As Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-29:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
May we keep our eyes fixed on You, knowing You are in control. In Jesus' precious name, Amen!