Wonders of Windmills

Windmills stand tall in the midst of prairie grass throughout the rural Midwest. Isolated in various pastures, these towers from a distance look like giant sunflowers. Although they are structures of beauty, these windmills have a purpose of mechanically lifting the underground water into storage tanks where livestock come to drink. Historically they were used since the Middle Ages to supply water not only for livestock, but farmsteads, locomotives, or irrigation. Even though designs and uses have changed over the years, the concept did not. Using the wind for a useful purpose. As you know, wind is something that is in abundance in the plains. When the wind is strong enough, the windmill turns into the wind and utilizes the veins on the wheel to spin and turn the gears that make the rod go up and down to pump water. Alternatively, when there is just a slight breeze, the windmill does not function. Thus, recognizing the need for a storage tank.

Winds of the Spirit

The question becomes; Where does all this wind come from and where does it go? We are told in John 3:8, “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Indeed, the wind blows where it wishes. Thus, the same is true with the Holy Spirit. So, if we have no control over the wind or where it comes or goes… how are we to be filled with the Holy Spirit? We need to be like that windmill. Constantly turning into the wind, no matter what direction that wind is coming from. Yes, continually turning to God to be filled with the Holy Spirit. And when the air is calm with no breeze, we must rely on what is stored up within our “tank” to carry us over to the next day. What is in the tank? Water of course. Life giving water. Like stored up water in a tank for livestock on a calm day, so does the Holy Spirit store up life giving water in us as we intentionally turn towards the Lord through His Word.

Windmill that Provides Living Water

The source of living water… “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38). Then use this promise for comfort when the strong prevailing winds howl around you and you find it hard to stand. I have yet to see the wind blow over a windmill because of its strong foundation. So it will be with us also as we use the anchors of our faith given to us through our life giving waters of baptism and constant strengthening of our roots through His Word. Dear Lord, help me keep turning to you as you send forth the Holy Spirit into my life. Help me strengthen my faith as I use this gift to show others the life-giving waters. Amen.