In my journey in Christ and as a leader, I have faced many storms. Some of you may be facing storms, and, if you are, I would like to encourage you with the story of something I witnessed: a hummingbird in a storm.
Our church keeps a tent up in our parking lot for our monthly outreaches. Recently, the church was hit by a fierce round of heavy rain and wind. In fact, the wind was so strong that it moved the tent a few feet from where we originally anchored it.
Under the roof of the tent was a hummingbird nest with eggs in it. As the wind battered the tent, I watched the hummingbird on its nest, protecting its young. In the midst of the storm, the bird stayed. Hour after hour, the rain beat down and the wind howled, but the bird remained. When the storm passed, the bird was still there.
I walked away from that encounter pondering a few things.
- The bird fulfilled its responsibility to protect its nest and the eggs that would soon hatch. If we are facing storms, God may be calling us to weather the storm, and provide care and covering for those we lead.
- The bird felt the effects of the storm but stayed secure within the shelter. As we’re facing the storms in our lives, we can rest secure in the fact that we are under God’s covering and protection.
- The bird stayed all the way through and beyond the storm. God is calling us to stay under His care and persevere through the storms of life.
David said, “I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Ps. 61:4, NIV). Even if he were not thinking of a bird in a storm, David’s words bring comfort as we face our own storms. He also declared, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Ps. 4:8). We can to run to the Lord and find covering as we encounter the storms of life—and we can find assurance and peace, even as the storms rage.
May the words of Ps. 91:1-4 (NIV) minister to you as you face storms in your life: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
By: Jeff Mink, administrator for Foursquare Chaplains International and assisting minister at NewLife Christian Center (Upland Foursqaure Church) in Upland, Calif.
