Carried on the Breath of God

Like a feather carried on the breath of God, our lives find true purpose and strength when we rest in His love and trust His leading.

“Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living person.”—Genesis 2:7 NASB

Even as a child, it seemed clear that Hildegard von Bingen was different. Born in 1098 in what is now Germany, she frequently battled illness but also received many dreams and visions, beginning when she was just three. Her parents dedicated her to the church when she was only eight years old—the beginnings of her life as a nun. Although Hildegard continued to receive visions and dreams, she kept them to herself.

Everything changed in 1136, when she became head of her convent. She experienced a vision that led her to begin talking about what God had shown her and recording her visions in writing. As a result, she became highly influential throughout Europe, pointing people back to God.

In one of her visions, she saw “a king sitting on his throne,” surrounded with beauty and opulence. “It pleased the king to raise a small feather from the ground, and he commanded it to fly. The feather flew, not because of anything in itself, but because the air bore it along.” Hildegard saw her life as “a feather on the breath of God.”

She knew that in herself, she was weak and helpless. But she could bless others as she trusted God and was faithful with His gifts and blessings.

Today, picture yourself just like this feather—resting in God’s love. Surrender to Him and trust Him with your life.

Reflection Question: How can you let God carry and guide you today?