The bird’s brilliant scarlet plumage sparkled against the snow, but his repeated leaf-spitting signaled his fruitless search for food. What would he eat? Everything was frozen. I yearned to help him, yet I had no bird feeder or birdseed.
The disciples experienced what they perceived as a similar shortage of resources. Although they hoped for some quiet time to process John the Baptist’s death, they stepped off the boat to find over five thousand people waiting for Jesus.
After spending a long day watching Jesus teach and heal, they pointed out the signs of hunger gnawing at the crowd’s empty stomachs. The disciples suggested sending them to find food in the nearby villages, despite realizing no town would have enough surplus bread to feed such a large group.
Jesus, however, wanted His followers to recognize His presence changed everything. With His power, they could be part of the solution to the problem. Nevertheless, when He demanded they feed the multitude, they only considered what they lacked—food and money—not who was with them.
Perhaps God intended for me to help the hungry cardinal outside my window, but like the disciples, I worried about what I didn’t have. Then I reminded myself that God never tells me to do something He and I can’t handle together. When I Googled what to feed a bird when I don’t have birdseed, I found several options, including cooked rice.
As I headed to the refrigerator, my ever-vigilant friend flew away. Still, I scooped out some rice and scattered it on my deck, wondering how to alert him to the fresh food supply. I knew the God who promised to feed the birds of the air could bring him back, so I prayed. My feathered friend soon returned, making several visits throughout the day.
Of course, God doesn’t need our help, but He empowers us with His indwelling Spirit to partner with Him as He meets the needs He brings to our attention.
Ask God to show you where He is inviting you to join Him in providing spiritual and physical food for a hungry world.
Nancy Lucenay’s writing and speaking reflect her passion for helping Christians apply their faith to life’s puzzling questions. A pastor’s wife and Bible teacher for fifty-plus years, Nancy has spoken and taught in the US, Africa, Asia, and Europe. You can find and connect with Nancy on her website, Beyond the Front Door (https://nancylucenay.com).