This blogpost is written by my good friend, Kathy Elrod. She is writing a follow up to the wonderful blog she wrote for us last Spring.

“Last Spring, I opened my front door one day to find that a Cardinal had built a nest in my wreath. As a bird lover, I took a lot of joy in discovering that nest. We’ve lived here for almost 35 years, and I always keep a wreath on my door. This had never happened before.  

I had grown up watching Cardinals with my Daddy. In 2013, we lost our precious son, Brent Elrod, in a hiking accident, at the age of 20. I began to see Cardinals more often. They are reminders from God that He is with me. 

Four birds hatched from that first nest. We got to see them spread their wings, as their Momma gave them flying lessons. 

A couple of months later, a second bird saw what she thought was a safe place and built her nest in the same wreath, but in a different location. Three little birds hatched from that nest. More joy!

We find JOY IN JESUS.  It comes often in our lives, if we just look for it. I would have never seen these nests, if I had not been looking. 

Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago, when I saw two birds flying around my wreath. I wondered if they would build again.  Would there be three families within 10 months?

I watched for a few days and found five little eggs in the SAME nest that the first Cardinal used! That nest was perfectly designed, well-woven, and tucked ­­inside, away from the rain and storms. Momma knew that if she sheltered there, she and her family would be safe from all the elements that might possibly come. I wasn’t even aware that birds reuse old nests, but after some reading, I realized that some species do recycle a nest for their “brood-to-be.”

This reminds me that there is renewal in life. God doesn’t waste an opportunity with us, just as this bird didn’t pass up this nest. There is purpose in everything. Sometimes we just can’t see it.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

These nests also remind me that we should seek secure SHELTER IN JESUS. With all of this pandemic, most of us are scared, anxious, maybe even distraught. There’s so much that is unknown, and we can’t see an end in sight. We must continue to TRUST and keep our eyes on Jesus. He’s the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge, his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” Psalms 91:4

This virus has taken away all things familiar to us: Our jobs, restaurants, schools, appointments, sports, and even our buildings where we worship. I truly believe that God has allowed all of these things to cease for a reason. We can’t see this enemy, but we can SEE Jesus through our faith.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

God’s love for us hasn’t changed. He isn’t willing that any should perish. Perhaps, He is allowing this slowdown, so that we will see that HE is the only way to Heaven. We need to get our focus on Him. We are no longer busy in this circle that we call “life.” Perhaps it’s time to reexamine our priorities.

This “stop sign” has given us time to slow down and savor important moments with our Heavenly Father and time to read our Bibles, time to be with our families, and time to enjoy His creation and be kind to others.

When they were seeking, all three of these birds saw something that was appealing. Perhaps this is the time that the “church” (not the building) will be appealing to others. There has never been a greater time to BE THE CHURCH!  The doors are closed, but our hearts are open, and we have been DEPLOYED!

As I write this, those birds haven’t hatched yet. That Momma continues to sit on her nest and care for those eggs, in anticipation of what is to come. There will be a grand day soon, when they will break out of their shells, spread their wings, and join the others.

This reminds me of several things:

1) GOD IS STILL ON HIS THRONE, just like that Momma bird is on her nest. As world events seem to spin out of control and storms rage around us, we can remain calm and steady. We have a Sovereign Lord Who has not surrendered His authority.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

2) When those eggs hatch, the babies won’t be worried about where their next meal is coming from. Their Momma gets them food each time they need it, JUST AS OUR FATHER PROVIDES FOR AND TAKES CARE OF US. We don’t need to worry and fret about tomorrow.

“Consider the ravens: They neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds.” Luke 12:24

3) We can wait in anticipation of what is to come. This virus will end one day, and we will then know that it was GOD AND ONLY GOD who saw us through and brought us out.

4) Just as those birds will fly one day, so will we. Jesus is coming back for His children to take us to Heaven. I pray that He finds us ready and that He will be able to say this to each of us:

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little. I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” Matthew 25:21

As we anticipate the future, may God find us faithful in what He has called us to do and who He has called us to be. Even though we can’t meet in buildings right now, Christ dwells within us. We are the church, and our mission field has never before been “so ripe unto harvest” (John 4:35).

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, I can’t think of a better time for you to trust Him. And if you do know Him, stay faithful in Him. HE IS FAITHFUL!”