Joshua 2:3-9, 15-16, 22-24

For many years now there have been organizations that have pushed for laws to protect endangered wildlife. Likewise there are groups that have lobbied for laws requiring alternative, renewable energy sources to be utilized to protect our environment. In California we are now seeing those two attempts to do good colliding with each other. Legally protected golden eagles have been dying at a rate of 67 per year for the last 3 decades in the San Francisco Bay Area’s Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area, which has over 5,000 wind turbines. The golden eagles have flown into the wind turbines and been killed. These wind farms have been providing thousands of homes with emissions-free electricity since the 1980’s but are built in an area that has one of the highest densities of nesting golden eagles in the United States. Hundreds of miles away in the Piute Mountains, the North Sky River Project calls for more than 100 turbines to be built not far from nesting areas of the California condor. This condor was nearing extinction when laws were changed and money spent to protect them. “We taxpayers have spent millions of dollars saving the California condor from extinction,”* said Gary George, spokesperson for Audubon California.

There is some hope that since the golden eagle flies relatively low, upgrading to newer turbines, which are much taller, will significantly cut down on the eagle deaths. But the condor’s flight ceiling will still put them in the danger zone. Modern technologies bring about a variety of challenges (We could simply switch back to not having electricity, but I don’t think most folks would go for that.). Human solutions to protecting the earth, animals, and even ourselves are usually flawed in some way. God’s plan is perfect, however. God used Rahab not only to protect the spies Joshua sent but also to deliver them safely back to him so that God’s will would be done. God protects us, even when we are not aware of it and often in ways we would never anticipate. Spend some time this week trying to be aware of God’s presence and protection in your life. Then remember to thank God for protecting you all along the way.

1. Studies show that over 440,000 birds die each year because of wind turbines. What do you think is the answer to the bird/wind farm problem?
2. What are some ways that you have seen God work to protect people? How have you personally experienced God’s protection?
3. Is God not protecting people when they die in accidents? Do our finite minds limit our understanding of God’s ultimate care?

* From http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/06/local/la-me-adv-wind-eagles-20110606