Originally published on May 8, 2020
God Speaks
Today when I read Susan’s story about pennies, it reminded me that God speaks to us all in different ways, especially in trying times like we are in today. Just open your heart and see.
Years ago when we lived in Baton Rouge, there was a small lake in our backyard. Sometimes I would go out on our deck for my daily quiet time. I began to notice a majestic blue heron was always out there. On days when I was inside, my chair was in a bay window, and I could see him right there every morning. I asked God if He was trying to tell me something. His distinct reply was, “I AM Emmanuel, I am always with you.” Matthew 1:23 says, “Listen! A virgin will be pregnant, she will give birth to a Son, and he will be known as ‘Emmanuel,’ which means in Hebrew, ‘God with us.’”
Often I began noticing whenever we traveled, early in each trip a big blue heron would fly directly over the car and sometimes follow us for a while. I began thanking God for being with us. I named my heron “Big Blue”.
One day our daughters boyfriend came to us to ask for her hand in marriage. We didn’t know him very well but knew her heart was set. I had prayed for her spouse from birth. Concerned if this was the one, I went outside to pray and right as I opened the door I spotted a big blue feather on my back step! God immediately said to me, “I am with them too!”
The morning of Jill’s wedding in Texas, I woke up early and went outside so not to disturb Jack. I noticed a little path that led to a lake. I sat on a bench at the lake, and as I prayed Big Blue flew in and perched about 6 feet from me. He stayed with me until I had finished praying and being still before the Lord. He was with me! To this day even in the city I will see Big Blue fly over me, and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is with me.
My daughter has been married for 20 years this September to a wonderful Christian man, raising 2 precious children who know the Lord. She started a nonprofit that supports 500 orphans in Uganda. God knew what was to be; He is with us!
There are so many of these special times when God assures us that He is with us. Psalm 91 is so comforting to me especially during this ever changing world; verse 4 says, “He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge.” God is our refuge and our strength, and no matter what we go through, He is always with us one moment at a time! I am grateful for the hope that lives within me and sometimes flies above my head. Look up, look all around you, He is with you always!
In Christ,
Jane Chapman
