Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” So the evening and the morning were the fifth day. (Genesis 1:20-23)

The Remarkable Arctic Tern

The Arctic Tern is one of the most remarkable birds in the world. It migrates farther than any other bird, traveling late in August from its nesting place within the Artic Circle to its winter “lodgings” in Antarctica and then back to the Artic Circle again – an annual round trip of more than 11,000 miles! These tiny birds make their long trip on nothing but the urgings and endurance God put with them. The force that drives them also empowers them for their journey.

Bald eagles are common in North America, including most of Canada, the continental United States, and northern Mexico. They are common in Alaska and can be found there all year. It is a graceful and powerful bird that soars on thermal convection currents with speeds of nearly 45 miles an hour.

Comparing the Arctic Tern and the Bald Eagle is an obvious overstatement. The Bald Eagle can weigh up to 10 pounds, while the Arctic Tern weighs 4.5 ounces. Arctic Terns have a wingspan of 33 inches compared to the wingspan of the Bald Eagle at 7 feet 7 inches. There is no comparison between the two birds. Imagine the symbol of the United States as the Artic Tern. It does not elicit great power and confidence as the Bald Eagle. But the Bald Eagle does not fly 11,000 miles a year.

What is remarkable about the Artic Tern is the reliance on his Creator. This small bird would not be on the list of creatures to fly from the edge of the earth to the other and then back again. Flying over the vast ocean, how does the bird know where to go and how far? What is the compass inside him that brings him safely to his destination and back home without fail? Where does he find the strength to make such a journey? The Bald Eagle is a large bird and majestic but has nothing on the Arctic Tern.

There are lessons to learn from this tiny creature. God can do great things with small things. Elijah learned this lesson when the Lord came to him in a small, still voice. One man can change his life to change his community, which can change the world. Leaven is tiny, but what great power it possesses. You do not have to be the majestic bird of prey to accomplish great things. The Arctic Tern has a resilient spirit that will not give up. He has so much energy bottled up inside to show God’s glory.

The Arctic Tern trusts in the God who made him. The Arctic Tern outsmarts man because man cannot bring himself to trust in his Creator. Human wisdom makes man believe he is wiser than God. Could man accomplish what the tiny bird does yearly without guidance and direction? The Lord has given you and me all we need to reach Heaven. Do you trust in God’s word? Let go and fly on the wings of faith.