When temperatures are frigid or food is scarce, hummingbirds can enter a sleep-like state known as torpor. This allows them to drastically reduce their heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism to conserve energy. At times, they briefly stop breathing and appear lifeless. Torpor is a survival response, enabling these tiny powerhouses to endure harsh conditions.

  Overwhelmed by the staggering vision and the glorious presence of the angel, Daniel collapsed into a "deep sleep" (Daniel 8:18). Yet God was not finished speaking to him. Gabriel stood him up and strengthened him, preparing him to understand the vision.     When the weight of the world's sins bore down on Jesus in Gethsemane, He asked Peter, James, and John to "watch and pray" while He prayed nearby (Matthew 26:38-41). But it was late, and "their eyes were heavy" (v. 43). As they were sleeping, Jesus prayed "in agony" until "His sweat became like great drops of blood" (Luke 22:44). Yet, just as an angel sustained Daniel in his work, so an angel strengthened Jesus to bear the sins of the world (v. 43).

  Had the disciples been more steadfast in prayer, God would have sustained them as He did His Son. Instead, they succumbed to the weakness of the flesh.

  The book of Revelation describes the spiritual condition of today's church as "lukewarm" (3:16). Like hummingbirds in torpor, we have entered a state of spiritual sluggishness at the worst possible time. In this condition, we fail to realize how "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" we truly are (v. 17).

  Though torpor is a remarkable survival mechanism for hummingbirds, it leaves them vulnerable to predators. Likewise, the church-currently slumbering (Matthew 25:5)-must wake up. God longs to revive us with His Spirit so we can stand firm through the trials ahead.

  As Romans 13:11 urges, "It is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed."

  Reflect: Have I checked my spiritual pulse lately? How can I keep myself from falling into spiritual torpor?