The great albatross, a large seabird with a wingspan exceeding eleven feet, spends the majority of its life out of sight of land. Skimming the surface of the ocean in search of food, this beautiful bird has been documented as soaring over 600 miles without once alighting or even flapping its wings. One reason for such an incredible feat is the bird’s shoulder lock, a sheet of tendons that locks the fully extended wings and eliminates the need to expend energy in the wing muscles. Thus the sovereign Designer has endowed the great albatross with otherwise impossible powers of endurance.

After two meals provided by God’s angel, Elijah “went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God” (1 Kings 19:8)—a feat that far exceeded normal human endurance. Daily victory over the forces of evil in this world requires endurance that also is not humanly possible. The enemy of our soul is far more powerful than we are and is well experienced in wearing down saints. But regardless of the number or severity of our trials, Jesus has promised, “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

The same God who designed the albatross has provided all the resources necessary for you and me not just to endure the trials and temptations of life, but to be “more than conquerors” over them. This is possible “not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6). Furthermore, as Aaron and Hur assisted Moses in holding his hands aloft during the battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10-13), let us also be ready and willing to help others endure in the warfare against the powers of darkness.

Sometimes when the shadows are gathering low,
The love of the Savior shines through.
–G. W. Cornell

~ Pete Lewis