Sandford:. Molting Process

It is also important to understand what I call the “molting process” prophetic individuals go through. Every immature eagle undergoes molting as it transitions from eaglet to adult. During this transition the eaglet loses its soft feathers to grow
stronger, longer and more resilient plumage. These new feathers allow the young eagle to soar to heights sometimes two or more miles above the earth. While the soft feathers are falling off, however, the eagle is grounded and defenseless. Here in this dark night of the soul, many prophetic voices lose the battle and are picked off by sinister forces." from "Understanding Prophetic People: Blessings and Problems with the Prophetic Gift" by R. Loren Sandford, John Jackson