A male house finch chirped and scolded “That’s mine, so back off!” to a twice-his-size robin who was seeking out a place to nest close to where his mate was settled on eggs. After the robin flew away, he stood as a devoted husband protecting his bride from harm.
God’s creation can teach me so much of God’s character if I open my eyes and ears to it. As I watched how jealously this finch guarded his mate, I thought of how sometimes Satan steals away my peace with all his lies and false promises, but he’ll never get past God. He can never knock me out of God’s nest of love, because God stands guard powerfully proclaiming, “She’s mine, so back off!”
As I watch the lives of these finches, I notice the male is not always there. I don’t always see him, but I know he’s always close by. Once in a while he eats at the feeder and then flies off again. Sometimes he sweeps into the nest and his head bobs as he feeds his bride. Other times he stands on the rooftop above the nest and belts out a cheerful melody.
God is like that. He never lets us out of His sight. Never. We can’t always feel Him, but He is with us always. Constantly watching out for us. Sometimes we tune in to His voice and other times we don’t realize He is calling us. And once in a while He swoops in to hold us near, to feed us His promises, and to cheer us on to believe He is always here for us. To remind us we can trust He sees, He hears, He knows.
There was a time in my life that I thought if God is always with me, why did bad things happen to me? If He has infinite power and He cares so much, why didn’t He protect me from so much pain? Is God punishing me for something?
Once in a while those questions still pop up, but now I realize God gives people choices. GOD didn’t hurt me. We live in a sinful world, and a perpetrator chose to harm me. I still don’t always understand why God didn’t keep me safe, but for now I’ll trust He knows why.
I just have to believe there is a purpose in pain. I do know I wouldn’t have such a deep empathy for hurting souls if I hadn’t gone through such pain myself. I think also it has led me deeper into what Jesus has willingly suffered for me all because He loves me so deeply. He was willing to be rejected so I will never be rejected by God. That’s why I know God is still watching out for me.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
(Jeremiah 29:11)
I don’t know what you’re feeling right now, but God knows. He sees. He hears. He’s got your back. Like this house finch jealously guarding his bride, God is watching over YOU. I know it doesn’t always feel that way, but He does. You are His bride, His beloved. As a faithful Husband, he cherishes you and watches over you with such love and tenderness.
The same God who created the birds and takes care of them so one feather will not fall without His permission will watch over us, faithfully tending to all our needs.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?
Yet not one of them will fall to the ground
outside your Father’s care.
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
(Matthew 10:29-31)
Faith Barista’s Writing Prompt:
Promise
Freed to Fly 
What beautiful observations – I also enjoy watching the birds and nature to discover His love and life lessons.
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Such great therapy when our hearts are open to learning, right? We’re having another cold spell here in SD, but I’m so glad summer is approaching. I really miss walking in nature. Thank you for stopping by, Dawn, and God bless. 💐
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😉 Wet here in the East…oh well, to every season- but this one is a LONG one!
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What a great analogy, Trudy! I’ve been in that place of wondering how a loving God could allow this to happen to me, but I absolutely agree with you that pain has a purpose. If I couldn’t trust Him for that, I’d be completely lost.
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Thank you, Melissa. I, too, would be completely lost. It just feels like there is no hope if I don’t trust Him and believe pain has a purpose. God bless you. 💐
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I love this analogy, Trudy. It also reminds me of how geese are. When they’re nesting in the spring, the daddy goose is SO protective of the mama goose. Their dedication is amazing. And to think God is even far more protective than that for us! Thanks for sharing this.
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Thank you. Yes, it’s just so amazing how God creates them, and they can teach us so much. And like you say, God is far more protective! Such a comforting thought. May God keep you under His protection and tender loving care, Lisa. 💐
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Trudy, Love these words that God is always aware of what we’re going through, even allows it to bring us closer in relationship to him! How sweet that the birds visit so close to your office — it must be so wonderful to watch them!
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Yes, it’s awesome to watch the birds. We have a tint on our window so we can see them but they can’t see us. 🙂 Even more awesome is God’s love for us! Thank you for stopping by, Valerie, and God bless! 💐
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What a neat story Trudy! 🙂 We have a friendly cardinal that’s been pecking at our windows at the back of the house. I love living so close to nature! I also love how you reminded us that God fights for us because we are his. Love it!
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Thank you, Krista. Ooo, a cardinal. Cool! I don’t see many of them around. Yes, I am so grateful for the lesson God taught me from nature at such perfect timing when I really needed it – how God fights for us. 🙂 God bless you, Krista! 💐
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This is beautiful Trudy! I love how God shows us so much when we “open our eyes and ears”…and he reminds us when we need to be reminded. Birds have been one of the biggest blessings in nature to me – this was such a joy to read! You are very loving and encouraging. I’m very thankful for you!
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Thank you, Michelle, for your loving encouragement. I’m thankful for you, too, friend! I love watching birds, too. They can teach us so much. God be with you and keep you in His care! 💐
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Hi Trudy,
I just wanted to say hi and thank you for leaving a comment. I plan on doing a post based on this scripture this weekend, one of my favorites. I had forgotten about that beautiful song too. I just finished reading your post about meeting your husband and 5 kids. Amazing is all I can say! I am sending the link to a friend that I know will enjoy it! God works in ways we would never see coming!
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You’re welcome, Anita, and thank you so much. That you would share how God sent me a husband and children brings tears to my eyes. God truly is amazing and gives us so much more than we ever ask for.
It awes me how God brought you and Renee together, and now through Renee I may learn of your site. Taking and viewing photos of God’s wondrous creation instills peace into my heart. The Augustine quote you have at your site says it all. I love it!
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with Lyme’s disease. Praying for your healing, Anita. 💗
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[…] house finches that nested outside my window have taken flight. It’s hard to believe how quickly they […]
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