08 May Just Like a Mother Bird by Sandra Chambers
During my morning walk today, I saw an interesting site–a tiny bird was chasing a much larger bird in midair. It was quite a sight as the little bird darted forward getting almost close enough to inflict damage on the larger bird. Back and forth they flew, sometimes zigzagging or circling overhead.
At first I was puzzled, expecting the larger bird to turn at any moment and give chase to the smaller one. Then it dawned on me–the smaller bird was a mother bird protecting her nest. The other bird was after the eggs or young hatchlings.
We also have a God who fiercely protects His own. In Scripture, He is often metaphorically portrayed as a bird offering His wings of protection:
He will cover you with his feathers,and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4 NIV)
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take
refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:4 NIV)
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 36:7 NIV)
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until
the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1 NIV)
In the New Testament, Jesus also speaks of himself as a mother hen, longing to protect God’s chosen people:
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (Matthew 23:37 NIV)
So what is the lesson for us in all of this? As Christians, there are those God has put in our lives our family, our friends, our fellow church members–whom we are responsible to defend just like that mother bird. God has given us a mighty weapon PRAYER. We must pray with boldness and determination, trusting God who tells us that through faith we can do all things!
When I am discouraged, fearful, or doubtful that God will answer my prayers for those I love, I want to remember that little bird’s boldness as she flew over and over again at the perpetrator. I want to remember that prayer is a powerful weapon that God has given me to protect those I love!
Sandra has a passionate desire to help Christians develop a purposeful, powerful and passionate prayer life. Her book, LORD, IT’S BORING IN MY PRAYER CLOSET (How To Revitalize Your Prayer Life) is available at Amazon and on Kindle. It’s a great personal read or can be used for a small group study on prayer. Check out Sandra’s blog at PrayerWaves.com.
She also teaches an online class on prayer at Beadisciple.com.
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