To me, one of the most fascinating birds is an albatross. I love to see them gliding through the air, effortlessly soaring on the ocean breezes. As long as there is the slightest air movement, the albatross can stay suspended, never having to take a wing beat. I dream of being in the earth made new, and being able to move through the air like that.
Have you ever wondered how a bird as large as the albatross can stay in the air so long, so gracefully, without having to flap its wings all the time? It is all a function of th
e wing shape. You see, the lift ratio of a wing is directly related to the wing length divided by wing width (distance from leading to trailing edges). The greater the ratio, the better the lift is. That explains the shape of the wing found on glider airplanes (also known as sailplanes). It also explains why chickens can’t soar.
There are two species of vulture found in North America. The Turkey Vulture can be seen in the lower forty-eight states of the US, and in some southern portions of Canada. The less common species, the Black Vulture, is found across the southern US, and in a few areas of the southwest. Up close, it is fairly easy to differentiate between the two species. The head colors are different, and light-colored patterns on the wings are different.
In flight, the tail of the Black Vulture generally appears much shorter, partially due to the fact that the Black Vulture’s wing is relatively broader than that of th
e Turkey Vulture. And therein lies the secret to separating the two species when they are both high in the sky. Because of its slightly shorter but broader wing, the Black Vulture has less lift than the Turkey Vulture. As a consequence, while the Turkey Vulture can soar almost effortlessly, the Black Vulture will often present a flap-flap-glide flight pattern that can be recognized from far away.
In ways, the lift ratio of these birds’ wings can be compared to our “faith ratio.” One who is full of faith is able to glide, even soar, in almost all situations. Those with less faith are perhaps more likely to be found “flapping” spiritually, trying with their own efforts to achieve “full flight.”
There is a passage in the scriptures where a father comes to Christ on his son’s behalf. In essence he says, “If you will, you can help him.” Christ’s response is, “Do you have faith in my ability?” To which the father replied, “I believe, please help my unbelief.”
What the father is really asking for is for Christ to stretch his wing of faith. He recognizes that his flapping, his own efforts and weak faith, will not help his child. He wants a faith that will allow him to soar, and for his child to live.
How much I want to be like that father – to have a faith that allows me to soar, and takes me away from the flap-flap-glide lifestyle. Won’t you join me in asking the Lord to stretch our wings of faith?
Have a great day!
Dr. G
Have you ever wondered how a bird as large as the albatross can stay in the air so long, so gracefully, without having to flap its wings all the time? It is all a function of th
e wing shape. You see, the lift ratio of a wing is directly related to the wing length divided by wing width (distance from leading to trailing edges). The greater the ratio, the better the lift is. That explains the shape of the wing found on glider airplanes (also known as sailplanes). It also explains why chickens can’t soar.There are two species of vulture found in North America. The Turkey Vulture can be seen in the lower forty-eight states of the US, and in some southern portions of Canada. The less common species, the Black Vulture, is found across the southern US, and in a few areas of the southwest. Up close, it is fairly easy to differentiate between the two species. The head colors are different, and light-colored patterns on the wings are different.
In flight, the tail of the Black Vulture generally appears much shorter, partially due to the fact that the Black Vulture’s wing is relatively broader than that of th
e Turkey Vulture. And therein lies the secret to separating the two species when they are both high in the sky. Because of its slightly shorter but broader wing, the Black Vulture has less lift than the Turkey Vulture. As a consequence, while the Turkey Vulture can soar almost effortlessly, the Black Vulture will often present a flap-flap-glide flight pattern that can be recognized from far away.In ways, the lift ratio of these birds’ wings can be compared to our “faith ratio.” One who is full of faith is able to glide, even soar, in almost all situations. Those with less faith are perhaps more likely to be found “flapping” spiritually, trying with their own efforts to achieve “full flight.”
There is a passage in the scriptures where a father comes to Christ on his son’s behalf. In essence he says, “If you will, you can help him.” Christ’s response is, “Do you have faith in my ability?” To which the father replied, “I believe, please help my unbelief.”
What the father is really asking for is for Christ to stretch his wing of faith. He recognizes that his flapping, his own efforts and weak faith, will not help his child. He wants a faith that will allow him to soar, and for his child to live.
How much I want to be like that father – to have a faith that allows me to soar, and takes me away from the flap-flap-glide lifestyle. Won’t you join me in asking the Lord to stretch our wings of faith?
Have a great day!
Dr. G
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