I just love to watch eagles soar.
God wants us to be that free and confident
I have to admit. Sometimes this whole debt repayment process just makes me weary. And I know I’m not the only one. I was talking with my mother-in-law just yesterday, and she voiced what I was feeling. She said that just when you think you’re starting to get ahead, another emergency comes along, and you’re right back at the starting line.
I’m feeling a bit of that this month. We received the tax forms for the annuity that my father-in-law left us when he passed away. Before we cashed out the annuity last year, we consulted an accountant to find out what the tax ramifications were. He assured us that we would only need to pay taxes on the interest that the annuity had earned since my father-in-law had made the initial deposit. Yet when we received the tax form, it showed that our whole portion was taxable. It seems that perhaps my father-in-law had rolled money from a retirement plan into the annuity, and none of it has been taxed yet.
So despite the fact that our income this year was really low, we’re going to be bumped into a higher tax bracket. In addition, we didn’t have as many tax dollars held out of my husband’s paychecks this year, due to the very part time and sometimes freelance nature of his jobs. Add that to my blog income, on which we haven’t paid any taxes yet, I’m slightly worried about tax time. Just when we thought things were getting back together.
As I was thinking about this yesterday, I was trying to distract myself by stumbling through cyberspace. When I checked out what my stumbleupon friends were stumbling, I came across this post. It contains some commentary and a youtube video of Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster. That’s one of my favorite worship songs, taken from one of my favorite passages of scripture.
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
That’s always been such an encouraging verse to me. Waiting on the Lord just sounds so peaceful, and I’m not one who generally likes to wait. In fact, I’m pretty impatient. But waiting for the Lord to guide and direct me….to assure me that He has everything under control….that takes a lot of pressure off me.
I also like that this passage says my strength will be renewed, that I will not be weary, that I will not faint. But my favorite part of this verse is "They shall mount up with wings like eagles." Have you ever seen an eagle soar? It’s beautiful! An eagle flies through the sky with confidence. Not worried at all.
As someone who is deathly afraid of heights, the ability to fly both amazes and fascinates me. I actually traveled by plan for the first time in a decade last August. I can tell you that I white knuckled the arms of the seat on takeoff. It was pretty terrifying for me. I lived, but I can’t say I enjoy flying too much.
But to soar freely through the sky with confidence. That would be amazing! And I think that’s what God wants for us. For me. To soar through this life with confidence. Confidence that He is in control. Confident that even if we have to pay more taxes than we planned on this year, He’s still got a plan. He’s still in control. He still wants us out of debt, and we’ll still get there.
I thank God that at times like these, I can rely on His strength and not my own. Because some days I just don’t have much. But I’m going to soar anyway!
Photo by Carl Chapman
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I enjoy reading your blog. I thought I would let you know about Debtor’s Anonymous. It is helping me tremendously.
http://www.debtorsanonymous.org/
Lynnae, You have a hearty amen, from me! You are right on the mark. Hold fast! While we are debt free (except for the mortgage) we are struggling with low income. My husband has a college degree and is considering the idea of going back to school for a masters…and I’m thinking about doing some freelance writing and developing my blog. We too, have experienced, the idea that finally we’re getting ahead only to be kicked back a few steps. God is teaching us to trust Him ever more deeply. He is good!
(((Hugs)))
I hope you get a nice fat tax return this year!
Stick in there. It’s always worth it to remain frugal and get rid of debt! You’ll be able to soar when you have the weight of debt off your back.
Eagles are beautiful. I had the pleasure of seeing a couple up close in nature canoing a few years back. Truly majestic.
Maybe you could reduce the taxes by putting the money into a regular IRA?
Good luck! I’d donate to help you out if I weren’t in such poor condition myself, but I can at least pray for you. I’m glad to see that there are still people who understand what it means to give their problems up to God.
Thank you so much for the verse and beautiful thoughts, just what I needed tonight.
Hey there! You were there for me AGAIN and you didn’t even know it : ) This is MY verse – or so I claim it to be. I just got home from an emotionally up and down week-end in NYC where we feel we are being called to help plant a new church. Getting home to not only read your blog and watch that video was just what I needed! Thanks!
Lynnae, thank you for the mention. I am glad that you found enjoyment with the video, particularly the song. It is one of my favorites as it encourages me to soar with confidence too. Have a blessed day!
thanks for the post – a very encouraging verse.
Thanks for the post – I re-read it tonight while we’re struggling with some issues. We were about to pay off the last of our debt when the tenant we sublet to skipped out and left us having to pay rent on two houses for the next 3 months, which is a stretch to say the least. I guess we needed the reminder to rely on God!