My dear maternal grandmother passed down to me a special love for birds. Thankfully, I still have a bird book she gave me when I was just a child. I've spent quite a few years watching these beautiful creatures from afar. Our yard is filled with bird feeders, birdhouses, and even a birdbath.
For ages, I've collected bread to take to places where birds gather, so I feel comforted to know that their bellies are full. When my girls were small, we often went to feed the birds together. I often reminded them of the Scripture that declares that if God feeds the birds of the air, He will not fail to provide for us. We never have to worry about things outside our control because He has promised never to leave or forsake us and is keeping an eye on whatever concerns us. No matter how challenging our issues, we need to let go and give them to God, because He's the only one who can help. To put it simply: He's on the job, caring for you.
Anyway, I'm not just here to talk about any ordinary bird today, but rather a bird so beautiful that it makes my heart leap every time I catch a quick glimpse: the hummingbird! Oh, how I love those tiny birds!
One afternoon I sat in my yard and asked the Lord what I could learn from the hummingbird. Were there truths or prophetic applications I could glean from those beautiful creatures? I'm not sure I ever asked Him that question before, but He honored it and this special prophetic message found its place. I hope you'll take a moment to get as comfortable as you would if you were sitting down to talk with a friend.
The Hummingbird
In the spring, the hummingbird can often be seen zipping around nectar feeders and flowers across the Americas. In fact, we know there are over 330 species of hummingbirds, which can be found in North, Central and South America. Did you know they are the smallest migrating birds in existence? But you won't see them traveling in vast numbers like other species, as many of them (like the ruby-throated hummingbird) can usually fly alone for up to 500 miles (805 km) at a time!
Their name describes the humming sound their tiny wings make as they dart from place to place. The amazing thing is that they averagely weigh less than an American nickel. The female hummingbird typically lays two eggs in exceedingly small nests. Interestingly, a flock of hummingbirds can be called a bouquet, a shimmer, a tune, a glittering, or a hover.
Why Are We in Such a Hurry?
We live in a time where everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere, to grow up, to get through prayer time, and move on to other things. Plus, our pressure-cooker society doesn't make it any easier for us. We all have extensive lists of things to do, so we rush around in circles trying to complete them. Let's take a moment to see what we can learn from our friends the hummingbirds. Have you had the time to study them? The truth is that we can learn a great deal from this fascinating bird, including some spiritual revelations.
1. I sense the Lord saying: "Don't let your limitations stop you! I have plans for you and I am not limited by your limitations!" (See Phil. 4:13, Ex. 4:11, Jer. 29:11.)
Other birds might see its small stature as a limitation but not a hummingbird. Despite their small size, hummingbirds are able to hover in the sky, flying back and forth, sideways, and even upside down when necessary. In fact, they're the only birds that can fly backward! Make no mistake about it: their small size doesn't stop them from diving up to 60 mph (96 km) or flying up to 30 mph (48 km). (Photo via Steve Porter)
I hear the Lord reminding us: "I have created you special and unique—a one-of-a-kind. Though others may see your small stature and write you off, focusing on your weaknesses and perceived limitations, I the Lord am not limited by your limitations. When others see a shepherd boy, I see a king; when others see a little girl, I see a queen! The truth is that I am with you to do mighty exploits that confound the wise in these end times. You can do all things through My strength in you. Only depend on Me, and My grace will be sufficient for you. You are not limited!"
2. I sense the Lord saying: "I am giving you the mind of Christ; I am directing your steps and guiding your path. My divine guidance is available to all who ask. Am I not able to lead you in turbulent times and seasons? Can I not bring you into a season of My divine rest?" (See Prov. 3:5-6, Psa. 32:8, Matt. 11:28.)
Two hummingbirds return to my mother's yard feeder on schedule every year. They never lose their way. She welcomes them with excitement every time they arrive. A good memory (the mind of Christ) and divine guidance from reflecting on the Word of God will help you immensely in the days to come. Hummingbirds have very good memories, recalling even the tiniest details like the location of the flowers they last visited. Remembering those details helps them plan their return. The Lord is giving His people His mind, as well as the supernatural strategies and divine guidance we will soon need. He's calling His Bride to steal away from the busyness and rest awhile in the garden of the Lord.
When the hummingbird sleeps, he enters a state of "torpor" that enables him to conserve his energy. And though it's good that you make the most of your time, it's even better to slow down and lie at the feet of your sweet Master to recharge and wait on Him, while giving Him your love and affection.
"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isa. 40:31)
At the end of the day, you owe yourself some rest. You should know when to relax, conserve some energy, and be refreshed in the presence of the Lord. Waiting means being quiet and actively listening for His gentle, divine direction, guidance, and mind. The heavenly Bridegroom calls His Bride away to rest, listen, and tenderly speak to Him.
3. I sense the Lord saying: "Know I am with you in the battles of life. The battle is Mine and victory comes through Me. Don't allow the devil to take advantage of you! I am placing a fighting spirit inside My Bride to not grow weary and quit, but to march forward with a banner of victory." (See Deut. 20:4, Ex. 14:14, Gal. 6:9, Ex. 17:15.)
Hummingbirds may be small but they can become aggressive when the need arises. If you study them, you will notice they are never afraid. They attack any intruding bird that attempts to invade their space, no matter their size. Hummingbirds model outrageous courage for us—to be brave in battle. In the same way, we dare not let the enemy of our souls steal from us or invade our territory. Put on the full armor of God and declare His power and the Blood of Jesus over your situation. Remember, beloved, your battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the enemy and his cohorts. When battles do come, declare the victory, get into praise, and watch the power of God rescue you every time.
4. I sense the Lord saying: "I am giving My people eyes to see and holy discernment to distinguish the difference between the counterfeit and the truth. I will give them holy bread from the ovens of Heaven and they will drink from pure wells that never run dry. In these perilous times, I'm giving My people eyes to see and ears to hear." (See 1 Chron. 12:32, John 10:5, Matt. 13:9, Rev. 22:1.)
Hummingbirds have no sense of smell but are incredibly gifted when discerning one color from another. Some hummingbirds prefer orange or red flowers. They will not feed on just anything but are choosy regarding what they eat. If you have a feeder, don't use fake red dye, as it can make them sick. When they eat from a feeder, they move their tongue in and out about 13 times per second, and though it's hard to believe, they can eat double their body weight in a single day. (Photo via Piqsels)
Our Father wants a Bride for His Son that feeds on true spiritual manna, the very depths of His heart. She drinks deeply of His pure water. She does not drink from dirty waters that bring her spiritual harm. She swims in the pure water of His love.
She will not eat just anything that is set before her; rather, she has eyes to see and holy discernment to recognize the phony from the real thing. She sits in the dining room in heavenly places and dines on divine bread straight from the Father's heart. She is hungry and consumed by Him alone.
5. I sense the Lord saying: "You are My city set on a hill, You are My light in the darkness, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you, My beautiful Bride." (See Matt. 5:14-16, Isa. 60:1, Rev. 19:7-9.)
Hummingbirds have unique, lustrous colors that set them apart from other birds. They also have the capacity to vary the brightness of their own colors. When light shines on their feathers, they glimmer and shine brightly.
You are the light of the world, and the glory of the Lord is glistening from His beautiful Bride! She is illuminated by His beauty and light. She refuses to dim her light or compromise her purity. She stands out. She has been so long with the King that her countenance reflects the very beauty of His holiness.
Just as anxiety is mounting on the earth, a beautiful Bride is being raised up. She is walking through the door, even now. The 'beauty of the Lord' is upon her, as her face shines with the light of the glory of God. Her train is very long, shimmering with brilliant rays of light. Her countenance is nearly blinding because the atmosphere of Heaven illuminates her from within.
She is His Bride, and just like a flock of hummingbirds can be referred to as a bouquet, a glittering, or a shimmer, so is His Bride a bouquet of beauty and the brilliant glow of His manifest presence.
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Steve Porter
Refuge Ministries
Email:Â G524walk@yahoo.com
Website:Â www.findrefuge.tv
Steve and his wife Diane founded Refuge Ministries and a presence-driven publishing company, Deeper Life Press. Steve is a regular contributor to many prophetic publications, including the Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and the Identity Network. His writings have been read worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people. He has also been interviewed by the Trinity Broadcasting Network and a few other TV programs. Steve's books, articles, and videos have touched countless lives around the world. The Porters reside near Rochester, NY.
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