Christians, and I suspect most God-fearing folks, pray to do the will of God and seek His confirmation either through blessings when we are on the right track, or through some other clear indication that we have stumbled off the path. You will often hear Christians say things like "God told me to..." or "God made it clear we should not...." I, personally, do believe that God is in control of all things, and that all things (including our misfortune) work together for the good of those who love Him. Further, I suspect that God loves riddles because, even among the most faithful of followers, sometimes the "burning bush" we have mistaken as a sign from God turns out to be nothing more than, well, a burning bush. The most hilarious illustration of this conundrum happened to an acquaintance of mine a couple of years ago.
Christians, and I suspect most God-fearing folks, pray to do the will of God and seek His confirmation either through blessings when we are on the right track, or through some other clear indication that we have stumbled off the path. You will often hear Christians say things like "God told me to..." or "God made it clear we should not...." I, personally, do believe that God is in control of all things, and that all things (including our misfortune) work together for the good of those who love Him. Further, I suspect that God loves riddles because, even among the most faithful of followers, sometimes the "burning bush" we have mistaken as a sign from God turns out to be nothing more than, well, a burning bush. The most hilarious illustration of this conundrum happened to an acquaintance of mine a couple of years ago.
Kay was attending a weekly bible study on Israel and the Minor Prophets. Once a month, her small discussion group would rotate homes allowing each lady the opportunity to host a fellowship gathering apart from the study.
Kay's time to shine occured on a beautiful sunny spring day. She had spent much effort in making sure that the group had a fine selection of beverages to enjoy with the lunch they were each to bring for herself. Kay also prepared a wonderful dessert treat to serve with coffee afterward. Her gorgeous newly remodeled house was spotless and her kids were with a friend freeing her to converse without interruption.
One by one the ladies arrived, each greeting Kay with a sisterly embrace and offering some compliment on her lovely home. Who does your landscaping? What is that delicious smell? What a pretty blouse! As the ladies crossed the threshold, Kay was startled by a small bird that flew through the open doorway into her home and perched itself on the ledge of a niche near the top of her 16' ceiling. "Oh, my!" the ladies exclaimed. Kay coolly composed herself and, recalling that her cat was outside, quickly closed the door trapping the bird inside.
The bird remained calmly on the ledge, peering down at the group. The ladies, once settled, began to remark things like "Isn't he lovely? He's just sitting there watching us?" "Maybe it's the Holy Spirit here to bless us with His presence!" "Oh, do you think it's Jesus?" As each lady considered this wonderous moment, the Bird, perhaps the very harbinger of the Second Coming of Christ, continued to sit peacefully, watching and listening.
Soon their conversation moved to other things. What do you think of the study this year? How many kids did you say you have? Our book club is reading The Lovely Bones. Are you going to see The Passion? The hour passed as they enjoyed their fellowship, each one sneaking a glance now and then at the Bird, ever attentive on the ledge.
As the ladies rose to depart, the conversation, of course, turned back to the Bird. Each woman soaking in for one final moment the warmth of His presence. As giddy as the disciples at Pentecost they queried each other: What could this mean? Wouldn't that be something if we have been sitting in the very presence of God!
Sure enough, as Kay held the door open for her guests, bidding farewell with a departing hug and thank you for the hospitality, the Bird made his way slowly down the bannister; fluttering a few feet and perching, fluttering and perching, until he reached the bottom finial and waited.
The ladies watched in wonderment to see if the Bird would exit with them when suddenly, leaping from behind the bushes of Kay's immaculate flowerbed, in bounded the cat at top speed to the staircase. Before anyone had a chance to process the unfolding turn of events the cat had snatched their Bird and within a few earth-stopping moments the squawking and growling quieted and the last tiny feathers slowly drifted to rest on the blood imbued welcome mat.
Imagine the stricken expressions as the ladies quietly watched the cat hovering over the carcass, taunting the lifeless body with his paw, looking first at the bird, then up at Kay seeking her approval of his feline prowess.
The mortified Kay looked sheepishly around her circle of friends, each one also glancing at the other wondering who will speak first. "Well," says Kay finally, "sometimes a bird is just a bird."