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Q. What can we learn from God's creation about encouragement?

A. Watch geese migrating in formation. 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 learn a lesson from God's remarkable creation that people who share a common direction and a sense of community can get where they're going quicker and easier when they're traveling on each other's thrust.

What if 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 advantage of the lift. As Christians we need to stay connected, encouraging and helping each other. When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies the point position.

Geese also honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep flying with speed. Words are important. They have real power. What kind of message do you present when you "honk" at others?

What if a goose can't keep up?

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 it 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.

Ken Sutterfield is a camp and conference center director in Arkansas.

Adapted from The Power of an Encouraging Word (New Leaf, 1997).

NOTE: For your convenience, The Power of an Encouraging Word is available in the ChristianityToday.com Shopping Channel.

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Prayer for the Week

My Father, I pray for the gift of being a load-lifter this week.

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