The Symbol of Freedom

Isaiah 40:31

“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”.

I have been reading this book, The Steward Leader: Transforming People, Organizations, and Communities by R. Scott Rodin, for a class I'm taking, Leadership and Ethics. It is speaking the truth of God's concern more with our inner transformation than our outward behavior changes. God is more concerned with "who" you are than what you are doing. Yes, He is concerned with what you are doing, but He is looking at the heart.

In his book, Rodin says "On the cover of this book is a picture of a soaring bald eagle. It was chosen because it is a symbol of freedom. Many times I have sat at my desk in Spokane buried with work and sensing the stress level increase, only to look out and see two bald eagles soaring high above the Little Spokane River near our home. As I watched them I envied their sense of freedom. Even though they relied daily on the provision of food from the earth, they never looked hurried. They spread their magnificent wings to catch the thermals of the warm afternoon and seemed to soar higher and higher just for the fun of doing it. They are perfectly equipped for their role in the ecosystem. To me they have both a majestic and a humble presence in the skies. As I think about the steward leader, I am led to the image of this great bird that is both free to soar and also created for a distinct purpose within God's wonderful creation. Free and purposeful. Humble and majestic. What a beautiful symbol...A combination of freedome and joyful obedience is the defining mark of the steward leader. Steward leaders are neither born nor made; they are freed for this work."

He has come to set us free to be changed from the inside out. Then we will be free to be obedient with joy. I can trust to follow the Lord because He knows His plans for me, what's best for me, and what will bring joy to my life. I can let go of the weight of trying to figure it out, work it out, or do to be accepted. Thank God for His truths will set you free. Reading this book today is reminding me of God's truth and setting me free!! We are called to be godly stewards who may be called to lead.

If we wait on the Lord, allow Him to lead and guide us, we will be strengthened. We will be able to mount above our problems, circumstances, and issues that we face. We can run and not get weary; walk and not faint. I don't know about you but there have been times in this life that I have grown weary. I have been walking through this life and wanted to faint, if not fainted. I need God, the one that has all knowledge, wisdom, and in control to help me. As I surrender to and obey His will, I am set free to serve Him with joy. "36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)  What freedom!

Be blessed.