THE EAGLE BELIEVER -1
The narrative of the eagle and the chicken serves as a profound metaphor for self-identity and potential. In this tale, a farmer discovers an eaglet that has fallen from its nest and, out of compassion, raises it alongside his chickens. Despite its majestic lineage, the eaglet grows up believing it is merely a chicken, adopting the behaviors and limitations of its surroundings. A naturalist, intrigued by the reports of an eagle behaving like a chicken, visits the farm and is astonished to witness the eagle pecking at the ground and strutting within the confines of the chicken coop. The farmer, however, insists that the eaglet has lost its true identity, a reflection of how external influences can distort one’s self-perception.
This story resonates deeply with the struggles many face in recognizing their inherent worth and capabilities. The farmer’s assertion that the eaglet is no longer an eagle parallels the deceptive narratives that can ensnare individuals, leading them to believe they are incapable of change or growth. The devil, as depicted in this context, represents the negative voices that attempt to undermine one’s potential, suggesting that past behaviors define future possibilities. Yet, the message is clear: transformation is possible, and this year can mark a turning point for those who embrace their true identity as “eagle believers.” In urban environments, such as Lagos or other major cities, individuals may feel constrained by their circumstances, yet it is essential to remember that one’s background does not dictate their future; rather, it is the recognition of one’s true nature that can lead to a life of fulfillment and purpose.
The essence of urban existence can often lead individuals to adopt a mindset that is far removed from their true potential. Instead of embracing the lofty aspirations associated with being an eagle, many find themselves living a life akin to that of a chicken, foraging for whatever is readily available and pursuing paths that are not divinely intended for them. This existence can devolve into a state characterized by sin, despair, and a lack of purpose, where one becomes a mere pawn in a larger game, manipulated by forces beyond their control. It is crucial to recognize that this diminished state is not one that should define you; rather, it is a temporary condition that can be transcended with the right guidance and self-awareness.
The narrative of the eagle, once majestic but now confined to the chicken coop, serves as a powerful metaphor for the potential that lies dormant within each individual.
The naturalist, recognizing the eagle’s true nature, understood that mere proximity to chickens does not alter the inherent identity of the eagle. Despite the eagle’s reluctance to embrace its true self, the naturalist persisted in encouraging it to rise above its surroundings. The act of lifting the eagle onto the fence symbolizes the need for a shift in perspective, urging it to stretch its wings and reclaim its rightful place in the skies. This call to action is akin to the spiritual practice of fasting, which serves to elevate one’s consciousness and reconnect with one’s divine purpose, reminding individuals that they are not defined by their current circumstances but by their potential to soar.
The narrative begins with a depiction of an eagle that has been confined to a life among chickens, illustrating a struggle between its innate nature and its current circumstances. After two weeks of fasting, the eagle’s potential remains unfulfilled, as it observes the chickens around it, seemingly torn between its instinct to soar and the comfort of familiarity. The naturalist, recognizing the eagle’s true identity, attempts to enlighten it about its majestic heritage. He takes the eagle to the rooftop of the farmhouse, urging it to embrace its destiny as a creature of the sky. However, despite the encouragement, the eagle merely looks down at the chickens, demonstrating its reluctance to break free from the limitations imposed upon it.
In a determined effort to liberate the eagle from its self-imposed constraints, the naturalist returns the following day, this time with a more strategic approach. He leads the eagle and the farmer to a distant mountain, where they stand at a vantage point high above the farm. From this elevated position, the familiar surroundings appear minuscule, symbolizing the eagle’s potential to rise above its current existence. The naturalist once again implores the eagle to recognize its true nature, emphasizing that it belongs to the sky rather than the earth. This time, the eagle responds to the call of the sun, stretching its powerful wings with newfound confidence. Gradually, it takes flight, soaring into the vastness of the sky, leaving behind the confines of the farm and the chickens, finally embracing its identity as an eagle.
It is essential to recognize that the narrative God has envisioned for you this year is one of soaring heights and new horizons. This year, characterized by the theme of eagle’s wings, signifies that you will ascend to new experiences and explore uncharted territories in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we approach 2024, we are called to embrace the notion of being airborne. It is crucial to affirm this truth; declare to those around you that you are indeed airborne. We shall not be hindered by the barriers and challenges that seek to confine us to lower altitudes, for in Christ, we are elevated to heavenly realms. As stated in Ephesians 2:6, we are raised with Christ, and the Passion Translation emphasizes that we are co-seated with Him in the glorious authority of the heavenly realm.
As we affirm our position in Christ, let us declare that earthly concerns will not distract us or diminish our potential. Proclaim that in 2024, you are airborne, and repeat this affirmation with conviction. God desires to uplift us as a church family on the wings of eagles, which signifies a divine elevation above the obstacles and barriers we face. The world around us is becoming increasingly volatile and complex, a reality that has been recognized since the U.S. Army introduced the acronym VUCAâVolatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguityâin 1987. If the world was experiencing VUCA then, we are now confronted with an even more pronounced version of it. The challenges we face today are significant, yet as eagle believers, we are called to rise above them, embracing the divine elevation that God has promised.
Numerous forms of ambiguity and significant challenges confront individuals, corporations, communities, and governments globally. However, the message conveyed to us is that our circumstances can be distinct, provided we hold a firm belief in this truth. It is essential to affirm this notion, as it underscores the power of faith in shaping our realities. When engaging with those around us, we should remind them that our situations are unique, and this distinction arises from the covenant established by God. This covenant is not merely a historical concept; it is a living promise that has been fulfilled in the past and continues to manifest in the present.
The Old Testament serves as a precursor to the blessings that are available to us today. For instance, during the plagues in Egypt, the Israelites were safeguarded in Goshen, illustrating that divine protection is a tangible reality for God’s chosen people. As spiritual descendants of Abraham, we are entitled to the same blessings that were promised to him, as articulated in Galatians 3:13, which emphasizes our redemption from the curse of the law. It is crucial to recognize and activate this divine honor in our lives; failure to do so may lead to a lack of awareness regarding our privileged status, akin to a beast that perishes without understanding its worth. Embracing this truth is vital for experiencing the full measure of divine exemption and blessings in our lives this year.
I declare that you will experience divine exemption in the name of Jesus, elevating you above significant barriers and empowering you to achieve what may seem impossible. This is the promise of God for us; we are lifted, carried on the wings of eagles. As believers, we rise above adversity, transcending obstructions and challenges. Just as mountains do not hinder an eagle, which reigns supreme in the sky, we too can view obstacles as non-threatening. The eagle soars above mountains, illustrating that they are present but not imposing. This divine elevation is echoed in our foundational scripture for the year, Exodus 19:4-6, where God reminds us of His past deliverance from the Egyptians, stating that He bore us on eagle’s wings and brought us to Himself. This promise is being fulfilled in our lives today, as God continues to lift us above our circumstances.
When God carries you on eagle’s wings, what appears to be impossible becomes attainable. There may be aspirations you share with others that lead them to question your sanity, but this stems from your elevated perspective. You may express intentions to pursue opportunities that seem far-fetched, and those around you might perceive you as delusional. However, your vision is not clouded by earthly limitations; rather, you are spiritually elevated, experiencing divine revelations. It is essential to seek God’s presence within you this year, for it is through His abiding spirit that you will gain insight into extraordinary possibilities. As the scripture promises, when you call upon Him, He will respond and reveal great and mighty things to you.
In Jeremiah 33:3, the scripture emphasizes the importance of seeking divine guidance, stating that when one calls upon God, He will respond and reveal profound truths that remain hidden. This passage invites reflection on the sources of our knowledge and understanding. It prompts individuals to consider what influences their perceptions and insightsâwhether they are derived from worldly distractions such as television and social media, or from a deeper, spiritual connection with the divine. The text underscores the necessity of creating mental space for God, as many individuals fill their minds with trivial matters, leaving little room for spiritual enlightenment. By prioritizing a relationship with God, one can receive new revelations and insights that transcend ordinary experiences.
Furthermore, Zechariah 4:7 challenges believers to confront their obstacles with faith, asking, “Who are you, O great mountain?” This rhetorical question serves as a powerful reminder that the challenges one faces can be overcome through divine intervention. The verse encourages individuals to personalize their struggles, replacing the name Zerubbabel with their own, thereby affirming their authority to overcome difficulties. The message is clear: past grievances and sorrows should not dictate the present or future. Instead, believers are called to declare victory over their challenges, transforming mountains into plains through faith and perseverance. This year, it is essential to adopt a mindset that embraces hope and resilience, allowing spiritual truths to guide one’s journey.
He articulated that an apostolic boldness is descending upon this congregation, a unique manifestation of the apostolic spirit characterized by extraordinary courage. This phenomenon mirrors the experience described in Acts 4:29, where the early believers prayed for divine boldness in the face of threats. The essence of this boldness transcends mere preaching; it empowers the members of this church to confront spiritual adversaries with confidence, articulating the Word of God with authority. This boldness is not just a theoretical concept but a tangible grace that will be evident in the lives of the congregation, enabling them to speak truths that may seem daunting, yet they will find themselves unable to retract their declarations. This is the divine working within them, a manifestation of apostolic boldness that brings glory to Jesus.
Furthermore, it is essential to understand that the challenges represented by winds and clouds at high altitudes, which might typically be perceived as obstacles, actually serve as strategic advantages for the eagle. In the realm of high altitudes, various winds and storms exist, yet the eagle adeptly navigates these conditions. When we speak of the eagle soaring, it implies that it utilizes the winds to its benefit, often ceasing to flap its wings as the currents lift it higher. This year, the very winds that seem adverse will propel you toward your destiny. The notion of contrary winds, often associated with setbacks, can instead lead to elevation and opportunity. If layoffs or challenges arise, they may very well position you for greater heights in your career and life, as God carries you on the wings of eagles, transforming obstacles into stepping stones toward your divine purpose.
Adverse circumstances can often propel individuals toward their destined paths, much like the biblical figure Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sent ahead to Egypt. Despite facing a tempest of hatred, jealousy, and animosity from his brothers, which could be perceived as a contrary wind, these very challenges were instrumental in guiding him toward his ultimate purpose. Joseph’s dreams, which incited envy among his siblings, were not thwarted by their malicious intentions; rather, they inadvertently set the stage for his journey to greatness. The narrative illustrates that what may appear as setbacks can, in fact, serve as divine instruments leading one to their rightful place in the world.
For those who may feel that their aspirations are hindered by obstacles, it is essential to recognize that divine intervention can facilitate one’s journey without the need for deceit or manipulation.
Just as Joseph did not resort to falsifying documents to gain entry into Egypt or to ascend to positions of power within Potiphar’s household or Pharaoh’s palace, individuals today can trust that the winds of providence will carry them to their intended destinations. This year may very well be a turning point, where adversities that others intend for harm are transformed into opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment, aligning with a greater purpose.
In the aftermath of Jacob’s death, Joseph’s brothers were consumed by fear, believing that their past actions would now provoke Joseph’s wrath. However, Joseph reassured them with profound wisdom, stating that while they had intended harm against him, God had orchestrated these events for a greater purpose. He emphasized that their actions, though rooted in malice, had ultimately contributed to a divine plan aimed at preserving the lives of many. Joseph’s perspective was one of understanding and forgiveness; he recognized that their hatred had inadvertently played a role in fulfilling his destiny. He conveyed to them that their negativity would not deter him from his path, and he expressed gratitude for their newfound remorse, affirming that their animosity had been transformed into a catalyst for his success.
This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultivating a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Joseph’s experience illustrates that challenges and opposition can be reframed as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Similarly, David’s encounter with Goliath exemplifies this principle; despite the overwhelming odds and the skepticism of those around him, David approached the giant with unwavering confidence, believing that he could overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacle. His faith and perspective allowed him to rise to greatness, ultimately leading him to the throne. Thus, it is essential to develop a mindset that views challenges not as threats, but as stepping stones toward achieving one’s destiny, trusting that divine assistance will guide one through life’s trials.