Birds of a Feather

Posted on May 08, 2017 Topic : Weekly Devotionals

Two people are better oﬀ than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

When the change of season brought sunnier weather, my friend enjoyed the opportunity to sit outside and be entertained by the sweet birds that emerged simultaneously with the colorful new blossoms that bordered her yard. The feathered, lively tourists congregated daily around her pond and drank, ate, and bathed with contentment. After several days she noticed these birds had a built-in system for support and protection. One bird always stood “guard” while its peers took care of life’s necessities.

We face many changes of season in our lives. Whether the change is brought on by ageing, loss, transition, or opportunity, we rely on our ﬂocks to help us along. Maybe someone drives you to the doctor’s office, a neighbor watches your kids on short notice, or a friend delivers dinner when life is just plain overwhelming. The family we are born into as well as the one we create present a way for us to experience God’s support and protection.

I’m grateful for the times a friend has offered to help me before I even had a chance to ask. When people are perceptive enough to discern what we need and when we need it, they become vessels for God’s provision. These moments, in turn, inspire us to be aware of what needs we might be able to ease in our near and dear circles.

We all long for and deserve friends who stand with us or for us and who have our backs while we take care of life’s necessities. And our lives are richer each time we can be that friend for one of our own when they face their challenge of change—big or small.

LIFE Reflections

What season are you facing? What seasons are your friends and family members facing? Spend time thinking about these seasons. What do you discover about the needs that come with these times? Let this awareness be your invitation to pray about those needs and the ways you can become a source of help to others.

Do you entrust your times of hardship or change to your flock? What situation do you need help with right now?

Are you reluctant to accept help that comes even from friends, let alone strangers? Consider how they are moving forward in obedience or faithfulness when they offer assistance and concern. Ask yourself if that is something you really want to be blocking or negating. It is humbling to receive certain kindnesses. Let your pride fall so someone else can rise up in compassion.

Intention: I’ll accept help today. And I will humbly accept the prayers and support of those God brings into my life.

Prayer

Give me the strength I need to make it through this transition. I have hope for tomorrow even as I struggle with today. You have blessed me with friends and family who seek the best for me. I pray for the willingness to share my burdens with this support network, and that I will come to you with my every need.