The Stoop

This week, the Lord showed me a wonder of His creation as they witnessed a Sparrow Hawk hunting. She was hovering above where I stood, and the Lord prompted me to look up. I saw her, about 1500 feet up in the air, navigating the wind and holding her position there, demonstrating spectacular and incredible flying skills. Having never seen this type of behaviour in a Sparrow Hawk before, she got my attention, and I was curious what she was doing just floating about stationary in the air against the wind. It looked strange and unusual but flawlessly performed and totally in control. Then, all of a sudden, she pulled her outstretched wings into her side and started to drop with her head down into a swift descent, hurtling down with such precision and grace but with such force and energy that it took my breath away. And she kept on coming directly towards the ground at breakneck speed. Then, within a few feet of me and about 20 feet from the ground, she suddenly opened and outstretched her wings to the full extent, breaking her fall and skilfully adjusting her projectory, at the same time extending her talents out in front of her pointing them at the object her attention as she continued to descend upon the prey that she had seen from such a height.

It took seconds, but those spectacular seconds could have been missed if I had failed to look up when the Lord prompted me. It was the most exhilarating thing I've ever seen in nature. Seeing a Sparrow Hawk stoop from start to finish was truly unique, and it will live long in my memory.

But what are you showing me, Lord?

The Lord says I want my people to be ready and willing to see and destroy the enemy; to take the risk and pursue the prize and to do it with grace and courage; to be skilful in managing the wind of affliction and the chaos around them and turn what looks like insurmountable odds into a victory; to be so trusting in the skills that I have developed in them that they are confident that what others see as a significant risk they see as a challenge. They are to know the prize and demonstrate great courage to execute a manoeuvre that will take the enemy out suddenly and decisively. Yes, I want my people to be strong and courageous, willing to risk it all, trusting in me to bring success in their endeavours, and to see and grab hold of the prize set before them, says the Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6