I had the privilege once of riding shotgun in a private plane. It was, without a doubt, one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. Flying is a completely different experience from the co-pilot’s seat! I got to wear a headset and listen to the pilot communicate with air traffic controllers, and he toggled between channels so that we could talk to each other, as well.

He shared that people often have the misconception that planes can just fall out of the sky like a rock. On the contrary, even in an emergency situation, a pilot can usually glide the aircraft to the ground. A plane doesn’t flap its wings like a hummingbird; it soars like an eagle. With little adjustments here and there, it uses the wind to its advantage and flies high and far.

In Isaiah 40, the author shared some insights with the pooped-out Israelites. The people were feeling weary and began murmuring about whether God even cared about them at all. In v. 30, Isaiah reminded them that even young people get tired (Amen from any college students subsisting on Red Bull & Ramen?) Later in v. 31, he says: “But those who trust the Lord will find new strength. They will be strong like eagles soaring upward on wings; they will walk and run without getting tired” (CEV).

We can’t go through life frantically flapping our wings, y’all. Believe me; I’ve tried. (Anyone else a do-it-yourselfer besides me? If I just try harder, then maybe I can make it work …) We need to learn when it’s time to exchange our hummingbird tendencies for eagle wings (by letting the Holy Spirit lift and push us forward). God doesn’t want us to be weary and barely able to function.

Now, don’t take this analogy to mean that you’ll never experience turbulence when you put your trust in the Lord. There will certainly be times when we, like the pilot, must make adjustments and maneuver through the storm, but as Matthew 5:8 reminds us – our needs are no surprise to God. He saw the turbulence coming before you even encountered it. Hold your course and keep trusting him. “The Lord gives strength to those who are weary” (Isaiah 40:29, CEV). He wants you to soar!