By Toni Ford
Have you ever paid much attention to geese? Scientists have conducted extensive studies as to why geese fly in a distinctive “V” formation when migrating south, and as a result, numerous and fascinating results have been found. There are many spiritual applications we can learn from geese, as well. Let’s look at a few:
Geese provide support for one another. When geese fly together in a “V” formation they are providing an additional lift by reducing the air resistance for the goose flying behind it. Geese have discovered that they can reach their destination more quickly and with less energy expended when they fly together in formation. When a goose drops out of the “V” formation, it quickly discovers that it requires a great deal more effort and energy to fly and therefore quickly returns to the formation to take advantage of the lifting power that comes from flying together. Consequently, by flying together in a “V” formation, scientists estimate that the whole flock can fly about 70 percent farther with the same amount of energy than if each goose flew alone. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10 says, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. God’s desire from the beginning was for us to work together, not alone or against one another. Still today, God longs to see the body of our Messiah working together to carry out His plans for this world. We will arrive at our destination and fulfill His commission much faster when we work together.
Geese rotate leadership. The goose flying in the front of the “V” formation is considered the leader of the pack and has to expend the most energy. This particular goose is the first to break up the flow of air that provides the additional lift for all of the geese who follow behind. Consequently, when the lead goose gets tired, it drops out of the front position and moves to the rear of the formation, where the resistance is lightest, and another goose moves to the leadership position. This rotation of position happens many times in the course of the long journey to warmer climates. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” There will be seasons in life where we will need to lead and other times when we need to follow. Regardless of the season, the Lord has told us to always be mindful of encouraging one another. 1 Thessalonians 5: 11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another.”
Geese honk at each other. Geese will frequently make loud honking sounds as they fly together, which is their way of communicating with each other during their long flight. Scientists discovered that when one goose becomes ill or is shot or injured and drops out of the formation, two other geese will fall out of formation and remain with the weakened goose. They will stay with and protect the injured goose from predators until it is able to fly again or dies. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” We need the support and encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ, and even more so as the return of Christ draws near. May we be people that are quick to give that support to others!
Lord, thank you for teaching us through Your creation of geese. Please help each of us as Your children learn what it means to provide support through our leadership, our servanthood and our encouragement to other believers and to all those in this world. Strengthen, we pray, the body of Christ, for we know the day of Your return is coming soon. We love You and thank You for loving us!
If you would like continued prayer, feel free to email me at tonif77@gmail.com. I would love to pray for you!