(from "The Power of an Encouraging Word," by Ken Sutterfield. Pages 43-45.)
Each year as the seasons change and winter approaches, I look forward to seeing and hearing the geese as they migrate south in formation. Did you know as each goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the bird following? By flying in a "V" formation the flock as a whole adds 71 percent more flying range than if a bird flew alone.
We can certainly learn a lesson from this illustration from God's remarkable creation. People who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
"Encourage one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25.
Also, when a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone--and quickly gets back into formation to take full advantage of the lift. We need to realize as Christians that we need to stay connected to one another, encouraging and helping each other. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies the point position.
Hebrews 4 includes and excellent passage for the encouragement of rest for God's leaders. The writer affirms the need to follow God's model for rest and encouragement.
"Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest" (Hebrews 4:11).
Geese also honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep flying with speed. Words are important. They have real power. James warns us that although the tongue is a small part of the body, it has the power to determine the whole course of human existence (James 3:5-6). What kind of message do you present when you "honk" at others?
Finally, another lesson we can learn is that when a goose is wounded or sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down to help and provide protection. They stay with this member of the flock until he or she is able to fly again or dies. Then they branch out on their own to catch up or join another flock.
We, too, need to stand by one another--be a wind break in someone's life--a true encourager. By ourselves we are weak and fragile but together, with the Lord's strength, we can encourage one another with the power of our words.
We can certainly learn a lesson from this illustration from God's remarkable creation. People who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier when they are traveling on the thrust of one another.
"Encourage one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25.
Also, when a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone--and quickly gets back into formation to take full advantage of the lift. We need to realize as Christians that we need to stay connected to one another, encouraging and helping each other. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies the point position.
Hebrews 4 includes and excellent passage for the encouragement of rest for God's leaders. The writer affirms the need to follow God's model for rest and encouragement.
"Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest" (Hebrews 4:11).
Geese also honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep flying with speed. Words are important. They have real power. James warns us that although the tongue is a small part of the body, it has the power to determine the whole course of human existence (James 3:5-6). What kind of message do you present when you "honk" at others?
Finally, another lesson we can learn is that when a goose is wounded or sick, two geese drop out of formation and follow their fellow member down to help and provide protection. They stay with this member of the flock until he or she is able to fly again or dies. Then they branch out on their own to catch up or join another flock.
We, too, need to stand by one another--be a wind break in someone's life--a true encourager. By ourselves we are weak and fragile but together, with the Lord's strength, we can encourage one another with the power of our words.
