Inspired by . . . ask
Cedar Wax Wings {Bombycilla cedrorum} are one of my favorite birds. They winter in Texas {and most other southern states} but I've only had the pleasure of seeing them 3x in the last seven years. Both times were during the spring when {I assume} they are on their way back to their summer mating grounds in Canada.
The 2nd time I saw them was about a month ago. I was drawn to my window one afternoon by their distinct trilling sounds. They almost always travel in large flocks and this was no exception. They swooped in, filling the top of one of our oak trees. We have no berry trees on our property {something I intend to rectify} so they were certainly just passing through. I didn't even bother to go for my camera. I knew my little Kodak point-and-shoot would never capture them. Oh, how I wished my new camera had arrived!
It was a hope of my heart, not a formal prayer per se, but still a prayer, that I could one day capture these beautiful birds to share with you all.
A couple of weeks later my new camera did arrive, and if you've been here before you might know that – I'm thrilled with it!
A few days later I was sitting on my front porch . . .
. . . you'll never guess what flew in. There were only a couple of them. Very unusual. I almost didn't believe my eyes.
It was so like the Giver of all good gifts. So like our God to bless me in this way.
"Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.
Everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find, and for the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
"If your child asks you for bread, would any of you give him a stone?
Or if your child asks for a fish, would you give him a snake?
Even though you're evil, you know how to give good gifts to your children.
So how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him?
Matt 7:7-11
I read something recently from Alistair Begg:
"It's helpful to remember that prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance to answer our requests, but laying hold of God's willingness."
Is there something you need from God? Are you waiting on Him to accomplish something in your life?
How important is it to you? Maybe you need to show God you're serious. Or maybe there is something you need to sacrifice first.
FAST
Has God asked something of you? Maybe there is something you need to do for Him first.
OBEY
Is there unrepentant sin in your life? Maybe you need to kneel at the alter.
REPENT
"Who do you say that I am?"
Do you have faith that God will do what He says He will do?
BELIEVE
Or maybe, just maybe, all you need to do is:
ASK
"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the kingdom.
If you may have everything by asking in His Name, or nothing
without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital
prayer is." ~ Charles Spurgeon
Blessings,
Sharing inspiration here:
Lovely words, June. You are so right- sometimes the very thing we need to do is ASK. God always hears us. Very thankful I stopped by from Playdates. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteOh gorgeous, gorgeous June! You've captured the glory of these little babies!
ReplyDeleteI had 2 wonderful rose-breasted grosbeaks at the feeder this morning, but I knew I could never capture the joy of it all, so I just sat and watched them dine.
It made my day. This post does the same ...
;-}
You really drove a good lesson home with a simple story and answer to the desire of your heart. That's wisdom, sister! And that is a cool looking bird! I don't think I've ever seen one? Glad our Father granted you the desire of your heart.
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed me so many times with gifts of his creation. I'm so thrilled he blessed you with the cedar waxwings and that your new camera was at the ready! Love your shots and the biblical lessons along with them. :)
ReplyDeleteHi June,
ReplyDeleteThis was is a beautiful post. Beautiful pictures of the bird as well.. Thank you for inspiring!
What a sweet post June! And what a delight to visit your blog today. My parents are bird watchers in KS. Here in TX I am thrilled to see the red of a cardinal periodically. :)
ReplyDeleteA couple of friends & I were just talking about this verse last night. A story was shared of a couple who have lived much like George Mueller, being led by God to not make their needs known. There was interesting testimony to needing something as simple as an egg for the wife's cake for company. The husband prayed the neighbors chicken to come lay one in their shed, and it did! CRAZY!
I'm always amazed & blessed to hear stories of God showing up in big & seemingly small ways. We serve such a mighty, powerful creator & Lord!
Blessings!
This post is very timely for me-what a God-thing.
ReplyDeleteLOVE the pictures!!
Praise God, He is so good and so worthy of our praise and our trust.
ReplyDeleteI'm continuously blown away by His love.
Thanks for sharing.
What a sweet gift, June! I totally believe that God blesses us in just the way we need at just the time we need it too. Loved your encouragement at the end to listen and obey. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot and great story too.
ReplyDeleteOh I just love this. Loved that the birds appeared again so you can capture and I love your encouragement. I read this earlier and coming back here to let you know that these words just helped me through a moment when satan was about to win. THANK YOU. Grateful for you. Much love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that God cares about something as small as our enjoying birds. He is indeed the giver of good gifts!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I've never seen a cedar wax wing! What a wonderful gift from the Lord! I am so happy you were able to capture it!
ReplyDelete