The Messenger
“…I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” So he proceeded to do what the Lord commanded. Elijah left and lived at the Wadi Cherith where it enters the Jordan. The ravens kept bringing him bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and he would drink from the wadi.
—1 Kings 17:4-6, CSB
In the passage above, God gave Elijah specific instructions on how he would be fed during the drought in the land. He commanded birds—specifically ravens—to bring Elijah food throughout the day.
I was sitting in my backyard writing when I noticed a blue jay repeatedly flying past me. At first, I didn’t think much of it. But when I looked up, I saw the bird had a blueberry in its mouth.
We have two blueberry bushes growing in pots in our backyard. I knew they had fruit on them, but from what I could see, the berries hadn’t ripened yet. I wondered why the bird would pick sour fruit from the bush. Still, I kept writing, only half-paying attention—until the third time the bird flew past, this time with a small branch of fruit in its beak.
That’s when I thought, Let me go check this bush. When I walked over, I was shocked to find ripe fruit hidden among the inner branches. I had only been paying attention to the outer branches. I quickly picked the ripe berries before the bird could eat them all and then returned to writing.
But just a few moments later, the bird returned—this time to the second bush—and began picking fruit from that one as well. I thought, What? Let me check this bush too. Sure enough, the inner branches of that bush were also full of ripe berries.
Looking back now, it’s funny to realize that both bushes were abundantly full of fruit, yet I had begun to think they were no longer producing. I hadn't taken the time to look closely. Meanwhile, the birds were enjoying the fruit of my labor.
God used that moment to remind me: when I’m in a rush and not paying attention to His quiet nudges, I can miss the blessings He’s trying to reveal. That bird had to fly past me three, maybe four times before I finally noticed what God was showing me.
The presence of our God is beautiful and often speaks with a quiet spirit that touches our soul—when we’re paying attention. He uses everything, even a blue jay, to bring us His message.
Key Takeaways
Stay alert—God is always guiding us.
He often speaks in ways that are not obvious or expected.
If you miss His voice, you may miss the blessing He’s trying to give.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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