In younger days I trained in Australia’s National Service in the Engineers Corps. When constructing Bailey bridges over rivers, we would use large folding boats that were manned by six oarsmen and one helmsman. When we oarsmen all pulled together in harmony, we moved along very well. But it only took one of us to be out of sync and our boat would get off course immediately. At first there were times we went in circles and a time or two we ran into another boat, or into the river bank. With practice we eventually learned to work as a team and pull together. Only then did we get the job done.

Even if stronger people have to slow down a little (which can be difficult for some) to allow weaker ones to keep up, pulling together as a team at home, at work, or at play makes life so much more fulfilling and harmonious. It also gets us to where we want to go. Without this unity we spend lots of energy going around in circles getting nowhere fast.

The locusts teach us a valuable lesson about the power and impact that can be made when we learn to work together in unity and harmony.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to be a team player at home, at work, at play, and in the work you have for me to do as a partner in what you are doing in the world today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. Proverbs 30: 27 (NIV).