God's Thermal of Encouragement

Many of us have experienced that low Spiritual valley where we thought the sun would never shine again. Some were sent quickly into the valley by a very specific event. Others drifted slowly to the bottom and can't say by what path they arrived. In either case, we wandered in this gloom until something began to lift us to new heights.

Isaiah 40:29-31
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

An eagle seems to fly effortlessly through the air with only an occasional flap of the wings. These great birds are experts at finding areas of rising air called thermals which allow them to soar without using any of their own energy.

God uses Spiritual thermals to lift up those who hope and trust in Him. Those who believe the truth of His Word and diligently search for the rising currents through prayer and undeterred worship will be freed from the heavy baggage which prevents upward flight - they will be lifted up by the guidance and strength of God's Spirit.

If we find ourself back in the valley today, we must continue to seek Him with all our heart and trust that our thermal is on the way. He has promised to strengthen us and cause us to soar once again! And if we're currently flying high in our communion with God, we must give praise and honor to our Heavenly Father; but we must also recognize there are many others in the valley who desperately need a lift - many who are searching and feeling overcome with darkness. As we soar, we must understand that we are never called to fly alone.

God has chosen to use people to accomplish much of His work on earth. He could have chosen other methods; "If they {the people} keep quiet, the stones will cry out" (Luke 19:40), but He chose us. We are to "encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). Why? Because there is a valley full of people waiting and hoping for that rising current to lift them up and set them free. We can be a rising current for others with simple words or acts of encouragement which show them God's love and gently lead them back toward His peace.

We have been adopted into the "Family" of God...and our Family needs each other very much! Let's dedicate ourselves to soaring high by worshipping God in absolutely every area of our life. Let's continue to rise to new heights and always look for others in need of God's thermal of encouragement!

Hey Steve...I love this verse, and it is one that keeps me going when I am discouraged. I love your spin on "thermals" - what a great visual! And a reminder that the nature and character of God is reflected in ALL things. Love today's post. km

Hi, I just want to share my experience as a testimony to God's love for us and the truth that he will lift us up. A few weeks ago I received a phone call in the middle of the night. The police telling me that my 20 year old daughter had been arrested for alcohol abuse. This was not the first call of this type that I have recieved. I was alone and devastated. I felt shame and such despair that I was physically sick. I got down on my knees and cried and prayed and told the lord that I could not handle this situation, I was alone and didn't know what to do. I begged him to help me, and eventually cried myself to sleep. The next day a christian woman that I work with, but don't know very well, came to me and said that she woke up in the middle of the night and felt compelled to pray for me. She woke her husband and they prayed for me. They had no idea why, but they knew I needed prayer. Two days later a friend called me and said that she woke in the middle of the night, on that fateful evening, and felt compelled to pray for me. Since then three other christians, who know nothing of my daughter's troubles, have told me that they were awoken in the middle of the night and they prayed for me. Isn't God great?! I wasn't alone, he woke my brothers and sisters in Christ and got them to pray for me when I needed it most. I praise God and thank him for his steadfast love.
I also learned that if I feel compelled to pray for someone, that I should tell them. They may be in a valley and need to know that their heavenly father sees their need and does answer prayer.

Shari