Two weeks ago I was tasked with contacting the gas company for a refill for our propane tank. Unbeknownst to me, we were strikingly low, impacting our ability to have hot water or use the burners on the stove as they are powered by gas. At any rate, before I realized how low we were, I checked the unit outdoors. As I lifted the lid, a bird flew out and scared the BeJesus out of me! I noticed a nest, nestled inside the unit. For weeks the birds gathered on our front porch, where typically we have lots of hanging baskets for them to choose to build their nests to bring forth new life. However, I’d been hesitant to enact my normal practice because we were still experiencing cold temperatures. Absent of their traditional option, they chose what was available to them. While contacting the gas company for a refuel, I explained that there was a nest that I truly hoped could be undisturbed if at all possible. When the gas was added, the service technician assured me that the nest was in tact and untouched. I have tears in my eyes as I recall the deeper meaning. I thank the birds for demonstrating what it is like to trust the God of our salvation in explosive circumstances.
The birds simply sought shelter. They didn’t know or were unaware of the potentiality and danger associated with their chosen environment. What might be the takeaway for us? No matter what we are facing, we can find shelter and peace in the Most High. He is our nest amidst the explosive people, places and things. And just as the technician ensured that the nest was undisturbed, God does the same thing for us! In Him, we find shelter from the storm. In Him, we live, move and have our being! In Him, we are safe. In Him, we have what we need. In Him, we have all we need. Psalm 32:7 reads, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” The birds have a song of their own, but we must determine how we will sing no matter what is happening around us and to us. As the songwriter penned, “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His promise, just to know what thus saith the Lord.” What does the Lord say about our distress? His promises are yes and Amen (II Corinthians 1:20). His promises are not conditional upon pristine circumstances. He gets down in the miry clay and dirt with us, in the ugly places, even amidst the explosiveness of a “gas” situation. We can rest in Him. We can continue like the birds and birth that which God has ordained, with full assurance that we are in His divine care; He will keep us safe and we can rest unbothered.
Perhaps you are expecting God to do what He’s done in the past in the same way. The birds are accustomed to me hanging baskets and subsequently building their nest inside of one of their five options that cascade our porch. Yet, when what they’ve become to expect wasn’t available, they didn’t abort their assignment. Instead, they found an alternative option to continue the work! That is good news and encouragement for us. May we not assume that because it’s not working according to the plan that we assume it’s not for us! May we be bold enough to step out on faith and do what we know, and trust God to do the rest – protect us from the enemy, sustain us amidst danger and allow us to rest amongst explosiveness. He is good. He is great. He is our protector in dangerous conditions!
