I glanced up from my computer and was completely mesmerized by the ospreys that soar, hunt, and fish outside the retreat—aptly named Skyhawk Retreat—where I write. Ospreys are in the same classification as eagles and hawks but are in a different family. In essence ospreys are cousins to the eagles we read about in Scripture.
Spiritually, many of us equate the eagle with majesty, strength, and soaring effortlessly with the Lord. Recently though I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, “They are birds of prey.” Although I am generally content to witness the beauty of the soaring ospreys and hawks outside the retreat, when the Lord reminded me of their hunting ability, I sat up and took note.
This class of birds is also known as raptors, from the Latin word “rapere” which means to seize and carry off. These birds have a few common characteristics that serve them well in their ability to seize and carry off. Keen eyesight, a powerful curved beak, sharp claws, and strong talons are the most common.
As I studied this classification and family of God’s creatures, The Lord highlighted the degree to which He created them to fill their place on the food chain as predators. Keen eyesight is required in order to see beyond the surface of the water to the fish that is dinner. When an osprey dives for his dinner, he dives feet first to seize the fish. Sharp claws and strong talons are necessary to seize the fish and carry it to the nest. Finally, the detail I found particularly interesting was the shape of the beak on these birds. I did not know that before eating or feeding the fish to its young, the osprey uses that powerful hooked beak to clean the fish. I had never heard of a bird cleaning fish before eating it. God’s detail of equipping this bird for its predatory life is impressive!
We tend to see and appreciate the strong wings and majestic flight of hawks, eagles, and ospreys, but God has given them so much more in order for them to live doing what He created them to do.
He created you with the same amount of care, precision, and detail as the osprey. Consider Jesus’ words,
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? (Matthew 6:26).
Are you not worth much more? The Creator gives gifts, talents, and abilities abundantly to His children in order for them to accomplish what He. Creates them to do. He gives artists the ability to “see beyond.” He gives writers and editors a love and understanding of language. He gives teachers a thirst for learning and a hunger to share.. To pastors, counselors, and leaders He gives compassion and empathy. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to learn that master chefs have more sensitive tastebuds than the average person or that musicians naturally hear things many of us cannot. That is the way our Creator works.
Like the eagle, created to hunt, you were created to serve God’s purpose on this earth. Within you lies everything you need to accomplish that purpose. Rather than striving and searching to discover your God-given purpose, spend time in the Lord’s Presence and allow Him to show you the specific characteristics He gave you in order to fulfill your destiny.
Trust that like the eagle—who God equipped to live life as one who “seizes and carries off”—you have the very characteristics needed to fulfill what God created you to do.