Look at the Birds
by Gemma Gardner
I love to see birds flying and hear them sing and chirp. I particularly love budgies. There are so many brightly coloured ones, and I have been keeping them as pets now since 1992. When Dean and I got married in 2003, he not only got a wife but inherited four budgies as well. We have had many budgies over the years, and Dean has loved them too.
Just over a month ago, Zoe, our one yellow budgie, died. She was ten years old. We were very sad. I had discovered a pet shop near us which sold budgies, and so we went there. This time we bought a blue one. It took us a while to give him a name, but we finally decided to call him ‘Happy’. He was quiet and still, and I was worried because he wouldn’t eat from his seed bowl. I was concerned he would starve himself because he was pining for his mates at the pet shop.
During this time we had to go to help Dean’s parents for two days, so Happy was alone. Dean assured me that the law of hunger would make him want to eat, but I wasn’t so sure, as one of our other budgies nearly died, as she didn’t feed properly. I kept thinking of the above scripture. We prayed that Happy would eat, and I put extra food in the cage, hoping it would tempt him.
It was hard not to worry over the next days, and I couldn’t wait to get home. When we finally came through the door, I saw Happy was okay and a little later, we saw him eating his seed. He’s never looked back since, and we have been taming him, and now he sits on our shoulders and flies around our lounge.
All around us people are full of fear, maybe for personal reasons, or perhaps disturbed by all that is happening in the world around us. As Christians, we are not exempt from troubles. Jesus said we would have tribulation in this world. But He also said we are far more valuable to our heavenly Father than many birds. In 2 Peter 1:3, Peter says, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life”.
I provided food for Happy, but he had to feed himself. I couldn’t make him eat. In the same way, the Lord has provided everything we need. We only have to ask Him and trust Him. Perhaps, like me, you need to grow in trust and hold out your hands to receive all that Jesus has for you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am really sorry for the times that I worry and fail to trust that You will provide all that I need. Help me to remember the times that You have provided for me in the past so that I am encouraged to trust You for the future. I ask this in Jesus’ name and for Your glory. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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