trbccoffeebreak

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

A rustling in my rose bush let me know someone was building a new home. Yes, you got it – momma bird was building her nest, piece by piece.  Strategically, she used her beak and feet to transport tiny sticks which she used to weave, pack and shape the nest. Safety is a high priority so you won’t find any birds building on the ledge of a building or a limb of a tree.  A bird’s instinct is to build in the safest, most sheltered space they can find – location is everything.  Exactly why my flourishing rose bush was the sweetest place for momma bird to create a protective place for her babies to hatch.

Now, I’m not usually a bird watcher, yet I have enjoyed seeing this momma bird preparing for her soon to be hatched young.  This weekend, we even sneaked a few peeks into the bush and found three babies with mouths wide open waiting for momma to return with their food.

Baby birds aren’t the only ones with their mouths wide open totally dependent on momma for their food.  We entered this world with an innate dependency to be nursed, cuddled and protected from the moment we left the womb.  We had to totally rely on someone else to provide for our every need.

Spiritual babies are no different.  When I think about the moment when I first invited Jesus into my life, I didn’t have a clue how to nourish my soul.  I was clueless about how to glorify God with my choices and life.  Yet God in his perfect plan surrounded me with spiritual mothers and mentors who led me along the way.  Like the young birds, my mouth was wide open ready to digest every nugget of truth. You may remember those days too – hungry for more of God and thirsty for His presence.

Just in case we forget, momma bird plays a crucial role in the survival of her young.  As seasoned believers, we play a crucial role in the thriving of spiritual babes.  By coming alongside them with grace and love, we can share the truths of God’s word in bite-size pieces so they can digest His goodness.  We can extend mercy in moments when the “old” ways re-surface and celebrate with joy as “new” ways evolve. To nurture someone’s soul and watch God work in their life is absolutely beautiful.

Sweet friends, maybe you’re a spiritual babe desperately trying to find your way in your walk with the Lord.  Don’t give up or grow weary.  Be bold and courageous in seeking out someone who is living out their faith to come alongside you.  And as seasoned believers, we should be alert to those around us who are struggling with their new faith.  Offering to walk alongside them with patience and grace is a beautiful gift – one that honors God and encourages us all in our faith.

“Father, open our eyes to those around us who are hungry for more of You, yet don’t know how to be fed.  Help us to walk with them in their faith journey – never judging, yet fully trusting that You will complete Your work in them.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life