Thursday, May 3, 2012

Object Lesson

We are studying thermodynamics and heat transfer in Physics. Today Rain was doing an experiment that I was recording. As I watched and listened, the concepts of heat absorption began to resonate in my heart as I thought about the similarities to the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. I know, it seems a stretch, but not really. When you hold a flame to an "empty" balloon, the heat is transferred to the balloon. Eventually the rubber becomes weak and unable to resist the pressure of the air inside - so it pops. A balloon filled with water, however, will not pop. Why? Because the water inside the balloon absorbs the heat. It enables the rubber to remain strong enough to withstand the pressure of the air. It holds firm. 

Life without the Holy Spirit? Weak. Eventually it will not be able to withstand the pressure being exerted. Life with the Holy Spirit? Strong. Someone else is taking the heat, allowing us to stand firm. A couple of times Rain's matches refused to remain lit. Of course, nothing happened to the balloon. So it is with me. When things are going okay, when I am not in the fire, I think I have it all taken care of. I'm secure...but the minute the flames start licking at my edges - the need for a "heat absorber" becomes glaringly clear.

Thank you, Lord, for Physics and a lesson tailor-made for this teacher. As our video guru would say, "And THAT is why science matters!"


"If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
-John 14:16,17; 26,27

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