Julie Lavender

My guest blogger is my online friend Ben Cooper. He, too, is a nature-lover like me, and he has a lot in common with my biologist-hubby. I hope you'll enjoy an excerpt from his nature devotional (please see bio for info about his book), and feel free to comment and join the conversation about your walk with God, too. 

All Nature Sings: A Devotional Guide to Animals in the Bible 

by Ben Cooper

Hawk (Buteo jamaicensus)

common name: 
Red-tailed Hawk

Background

The Red-tail is the most common of the hawk species found in North America. It is well adapted to live in forested or open areas but can be found in cities and deserts. They are the easiest birds of prey to identify because they have pronounced red tail feathers as viewed from above. They are part of the soaring hawks. When the sunlight shines down on the rocks, water and soil; some of the heat is reflected back. This creates heat thermals or currents of vertical air that generate lift for the birds. These soaring hawks are captivating to watch as they glide for long periods of time without flapping their wings. 

Red-tails will migrate to warmer, southern climates in the fall. One winter while driving in the south, I saw Red-tails lined up like mile markers along Interstate 40, scoping the grassy strips along the road for rabbits and mice. I was heading to Arkansas for a 4-month college internship. I guess you could say I was doing a little soaring of my own.

Scriptural Reference

The hawk is used 5 times in scripture and all references are found in the Old Testament. They are found in Leviticus 11:16 (twice); Deuteronomy 14:15 (twice) and Job 39:26 where it says, “Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars and spreads his wings toward the south?” ESV

Spiritual Application

Observing the soaring hawks catching heat thermals appear effortless for the birds. I am certain it takes a lot of practice and concentration to learn how to harvest the power of these up drafts. Each wing has to be stretched out and held in position for a long time. I have watched these birds ride those thermals until they were nothing but a speck in the sky.

The soaring hawks remind me of God's peculiar way of helping Moses in Exodus 17, where he led the captive Israelite's out of Egypt to be God's chosen nation in a new land. While they were working their way toward the promised land, we learn that they are confronted by the Amalekites. God told Moses that they would be victorious in battle as long as he held his staff over his head. I am sure it was easy at first, but as the day lingered on, Moses grew fatigued and his ability to hold the staff as directed weakened. Aaron and Hur came along side of Moses and lifted up each arm when he grew weary. Moses kept his staff raised until sundown and the Amalekites were defeated.

Sometimes living out the Christian life can be spiritually, physically and emotionally tiring. You just aren't able to keep going on your own strength. It is during those times that God sends other Christian believers your way to help hold you up and encourage you. Christians often get wounded or grow weary in the battle and need help. We can't continually hold our staff over our heads. God never intended for us to do it alone. Moses was given help by those closest to him.

Nothing uplifts a person more than receiving help in a time of need. Sometimes it comes by a visit or a phone call from a friend that lifts your spirits. Sometimes it comes from a complete stranger. However, nothing matches the sense of relief when God Himself is the one that does the lifting. There is no greater assurance for a believer than when God comes and backs you up.

When the Red-tailed hawk soars, it looks effortless as they circle for hours. But it is the rising heat thermals providing the lift. You cannot see them, but they are there carrying the hawk to new heights. God provides the power through the Holy Spirit to make living the Christian life look effortless. He gives us the spiritual, physical and emotional strength we need to live a victorious life. We don't see Him, but the evidence of His presence is all around us, lifting us up.

 “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in a time of need.” 

Hebrews 4:16 ESV

What about you guys? Can you share a time when God provided the power and strength to give you a lift?

Bio: Ben Cooper 

Connect with Ben at: cooperville@atlanticbb.net or facebook: “Ben Cooper author page”

Ben grew up in western PA on a small family dairy farm and has been around animals his entire life. After being very active in 4-H, he attended Penn State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science in 1984. Some of the standout moments in his college career included representing Penn State on the Livestock Judging Team and participating in a 4-month internship with Heifer International on their ranch in Arkansas. He worked for Maryland Department of Agriculture for 32-years in Cumberland, MD and retired in 2018. He is an avid beekeeper and has been teaching beekeeping classes at Allegany College of Maryland since 2011.

Ben grew up attending church and was saved at the age of twelve through a summer camp ministry. He and his wife Sonia have been married for 30 years and have five children. Ben graduated from the Cornerstone Bible Institute in 1996. He has been on four short-term mission trips to the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia and St. Kitts. He and his wife are members of Cumberland Bible Church.

He is an award-winning author of a devotional book on animals in the Bible entitled, All Nature Sings, receiving the Wright Medal for Writing, the Maxwell Award, and a semifinalist in the Indie Diamond Book Awards. He currently speaks at churches, Christian schools, camp ministries, and appears on PatriotJournalistNetwork.com the first Tuesday of each month. He is currently working on several other devotional books.

Click here for a link to the book on amazon.com.