The information Dr. Farmer gave about the Golden Imperial Eagle added to the way I now understand Isaiah 40:31:
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; ..."
He said that the Imperial Golden Eagle has learned to use their wings to ride the turbulence of a storm and sore above the storm until it has passed. They do not try to out run the storm by flying away from the danger, nor do they hide in a cave to be protected from the danger. Instead they use their wings to ride the winds above the storm itself and wait out the danger. To "mount up with wings like eagles" then takes on the meaning of learning to use my hope in the Lord to rise above the storms in my life until they pass. I do not need to run from the storm, and I do not need to hide from the storm.
