One morning, I was watching the birds gather around the feeder outside my studio.
As they gorged on the all-you-can-eat seed buffet, I reflected on the Bible verse about God providing for the birds.
“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”
–Matthew 6:26
In a moment of human pride, I thought to myself, “Well, actually, I’m providing the seeds for these birds.”
Then the Holy Spirit intervened, guiding me to consider some important truths…
Although it is true I had a hand in providing for those birds, it’s also true that my wife was the one who bought the seeds at Walmart. And God knew she’d buy them on a Wednesday, but it wouldn’t be until Saturday before she got around to filling the feeders. And He already knows the exact day they will run out and has plans to provide for these birds in the interim, just like He did between Wednesday and Saturday.
Then I am reminded that God gave someone else the idea for the feeder design and other people the ability and resources to make it and bring it to market. And then there are the people who harvest the seeds and package them for sale and drive them to the store, which is staffed by still more people.
Meanwhile, the only reason I am in a privileged position to spend money on birdseed is because of the income that I earn from the talents God has blessed me with, the circumstances He’s placed me in, the people who helped me get here, and the good health to be able to make the most of it.
Down, down the rabbit hole I go, eventually hearing a kind, gentle whisper that says, “Tell me again, how is it you are providing for these birds?”
“My God will fully supply whatever you need, in accord with his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
–Philippians 4:19
Sometimes what we need most is a dose of humility, a reminder to maybe take it down a notch anytime we get all high and mighty about what we’re able to do.
Once I receive that, I’m ready for a beautiful and staggering truth that’s barely able to be believed, which is that God actually enjoys including me in this plan of providing for the birds.
Of course, He doesn’t need me or any of us to help in the process. But like a grandfather in the workshop with his overeager yet unskilled and under-qualified grandkids, He delights in having us “help.”
May we always be humble like little children, eager and grateful for the opportunity to help God bring forth His kingdom, while never forgetting who really does the heavy lifting.
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