My Testimony - Why I Believe

​As a 12-year-old, I was as independent as they come. I would bike for miles and miles out of town and into the country, visiting relatives miles and miles away. I definitely didn't need a car to experience the adventure of new-found freedom that came with having a set of wheels.
One morning during summer vacation, I decided I was going to bike to grandma's house. On a good day, she was about an hour and half bike ride from home. I would take breaks here and there to quench my thirst or take a rest.
About 2 miles from her house, I passed over a stream on a road bridge that I had passed many times, but today, I would find new significance here in an otherwise, somewhat unremarkable sight. The reason I was attracted to it on that day, was because of the slowly flowing water and the relaxation that sitting by a stream can bring.
I walked my bike off the side of the bridge and down the embankment and sat beside the water. As I sat there, amid the long grass and the sounds of the frogs singing, I began to contemplate life's big mysteries and suddenly realized that I really didn't have any reason to believe in God. He hadn't really done anything in my life up to that point in which I could say made me a believer. I simply believed because of what others told me.
So as I sat there, I decided to test God's faithfulness and began to pray. I said, "God, if you are real, then send an eagle over my head." I felt like if there is an all-powerful God, then surely this would be a simple task for the one who created everything.
For a few minutes I sat there in great anticipation, hoping my God would show himself. I looked into the distance and saw a small speck in the sky, but had no idea what it could be in that vast, cloudless sky. I thought to myself, "wouldn't it be neat if that were an eagle coming this direction?" I sat transfixed on the object for what seemed like forever. I watched as it drew closer and closer...and yet, even closer. It then became real to me. IT WAS AN EAGLE and it was headed my way.
I was in complete awe as it began to fly over my head. A huge feeling of joy flooded my whole being as I was nearly brought to tears. As it was flying above me, I realized that a miracle was taking place when ANOTHER eagle met THAT eagle in the air above me. That eagle had been coming from behind me the WHOLE time! As both eagles met in flight above me, they began to make a few circles in the air and suddenly, I was in astonishment as they flew in a figure-8 pattern!
Once their divine dance was complete, each left, flying back in the directions they came as if they had stopped everything they were doing to meet me in the sky. From that moment, I had promised the Lord that I would never doubt Him or his magnificent works ever again. My God is GOOD! The Lord has been faithful and merciful to me ever since, providing every need.
Since then I've learned: When you don't see the Lord working, just know that the Lord is taking the time to prepare the BEST for you! Do not be dismayed.
Isaiah 30:18 -- Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.
-Jason Cook