design for warmth

I was fascinated yesterday to watch flocks of ducks and geese swim easily across the reservoir, despite the coldness of the water.  They seemed perfectly comfortable paddling their way and I was curious about how they stay warm.  I found three things that help them: their webbed feet have plenty of blood for warmth and circulation, but no nerves to feel the cold.  One type of feather (down) is especially effective at retaining body warmth and another type of feather (powder down) is especially effective at waterproofing the other feathers to keep the "inner duck" dry.  God has fashioned a design for life that makes it possible for an animal to function very comfortably and effectively in an inhospitable set of conditions.  He has done the same for us humans...not with down to permit us to swim through near freezing water, but with qualities we need to cope with living.  He gives us wisdom and judgement to deal with danger and apply His guidance to problems and trials that surround us like icy water.  He insulates us from hasty action and hateful responses when we are plunged into a world that doesn't warm up to Him.  He waterproofs our sense of self worth and purpose when other forces seek to saturate us with doubt and failure.  With the Lord's presence we swim, like the geese, over frigid waters and enjoy the company of others...despite an environment that can be very foreboding.

 

Psalm 91:¹⁰ no evil will conquer you; 

      no plague will come near your home. 
 ¹¹ For he will order his angels 
      to protect you wherever you go. 
 ¹² They will hold you up with their hands 
      so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.