This week’s blog is written by my precious daughter in law, Reid Hawkins. Enjoy!

As I sat on my porch, I watched two finches, one red and one brown, sporadically build a nest in the top corner of my porch ceiling at the top of a column. The column is covered with ceiling except for one tiny, small corner of it that extends out like a small diving board onto the porch. Back and forth, back and forth they take turns bringing twigs, hair, moss, and leaves to build this dainty yet structural nest. I have Edison bulb lights hung around the edge of the ceiling of our porch. One of the bulbs will be nestled right up to the momma finch and soon to be babies’ bed. So, when I think it’s a little cool out, I can cut the lights on and warm them up. How sweet!

This little corner on top of the column is so small though. Almost half of the nest is hanging off the edge. No wonder this is their third attempt at making this nest. I’ve watched them relentlessly choose this space. I’m thinking… “C’mon now. Is the third time really a charm? It’s gonna fall again!”

I’ve heard that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. These birds were insane. At least I thought they were at first. Although they were choosing the same place to build their family a home, they used different materials each time. Also, it wasn’t as windy the third time around. Maybe they allowed less time in between each placement of material to allow the nest to become stronger quicker. I’m not too sure what it was that made the nest stick in that small little corner on top of the column that third time, but it stuck.

Oh, how I aspire to be those finches. To be so determined and steadfast in making something to be successful. But to also know that it may take more than one try to receive what you’ve been working towards. It’s oddly comforting to know that no matter how hard you try or what tactics you use to achieve a goal, it just simply may not be your time.

But nothing catches God by surprise. He knows when your days will be “windy” or that you may not have the right tools you need now to get the results you want. You could be so sure that something is supposed to happen but God hasn’t brought it to fruition quite yet.

Think about this. What if those birds absolutely knew that the nest would eventually happen? What if those birds had some crazy futuristic vision that showed them the success of their hard work? Do you think they would have given up? Of course not! Because they would then have a solidified hope. What’s crazy is those birds continued fighting for their nest despite the repetitive failures and not knowing if it was going to work out.

Well, I have some exciting news! God is our solidified hope. He knows how your life story will work out, and He holds the future. God truly orchestrates nature, life, and relationships to create a story with disappointments, climaxes, victories, and silence in the most perfect way. Better than any story we could write for ourselves.

This reminds me of a story in 1 Samuel 14 that I must mention where Saul and his son Jonathan were in battle. Saul was a man who doubted. He doubted the outcome of this battle. I mean you can’t blame the guy. They were fighting against the Philistines. (insert emoji with sweat running down forehead here). Jonathan on the other hand approached the battle with a “perhaps” mentality.

… “Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” 1 Samuel 14:6

Perhaps we win. Perhaps we miraculously defeat them. Let’s just go for it! We discover that Jonathan and his armor bearer killed the first 20 and when the other Philistines saw the damage, they were intimidated and fled.

That “perhaps” mentality that Jonathon had was faith and trust. Knowing that despite how unlikely that victory looked, he went for it anyway.

I’m not saying that every time you fight for something that it will work out. I am saying that when something looks impossible remember God is in control, and His plan is perfect despite the outcome. That “perhaps” mentality is saying, “Perhaps we win and, if we don’t, it’s okay.”

I’d rather give it my all and it not work out than to not try at all. Fear stifles action, love drives action. After all, those birds gave it their all, and how much more important are you to God than birds?

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26

Dear Lord: Thank You for the lessons in nature that are all around us if we will just look for them. Thank You for speaking to Reid’s heart through these little birds who have something to teach us all. Help us to remember that it is our job to be obedient, and the results are up to you. When the world says, “Give up,” You often whisper, “Try it one more time. ” Give us the strength and courage to be faithful and to persevere in the face of adversity, to follow the example of our Savior Who never gave up. He carried that cross for us all the way up that hill, and He willingly laid down His life to save us from our sins. Thank You for the unspeakable gift of Your Son Jesus and for Your great love for us. Amen

Are you tired and weary? Have you wanted to give up? Try it one more time.

“Don’t give up before the miracle happens.” –Fannie Flagg

We welcome your comments and experiences to encourage our readers.

Thank you for reading and sharing our blogpost. Today, may God give you the courage and strength to not give up. Fear stifles action. Love drives action. Let’s do this thing!