A few chickens

Yesterday, I felt the Lord leading me to go look at the chickens.

Frankly, I didn’t want to.

It wasn’t time to put them away yet, but would be in about an hour.

The weather was a misty rain and much colder than our average May temperatures.

But I know better than to ignore the Lord.

Although I still do it at times and there’s always an uncomfortable consequence to such behavior.

Thankfully, I was obedient this time.

As I walked around the coop, everything seemed fine, there were even a group of hens outside pecking away.

I was about to leave, but felt I was to look closer.

From my angle, I didn’t have a good view of the door which allows the chickens into the run.

When I turned and walked closer this came into full view.

It was closed, locking the seven hens outside.

They have a cover over part of the run so they weren’t wet, but they’re not fully grown, so they can get too cold if kept away from the heat lamp.

I let myself into the run and held open the door.

Since I didn’t know what caused the door to close, I stood there holding it open.

One hen was on the ramp and headed inside right away.

Which made me glad, because the wind had picked up and it wasn’t growing warmer.

Not long after the first hen, another went in and slowly a third followed her.

Time seemed to drag as I waited for the remaining hens to figure it out and go inside.

I was getting cold and my arm was getting tired from holding the door by the time there was only one hen still outside.

I couldn’t let go of the door and it became clear the hen was avoiding the door because I was standing there holding it open.

All at once this hen realized she was alone, which caused her to panic.

She began to run around making frightened chirps.

The other chickens inside began to answer her and one even tried to come out the door.

I prevented this, which scared both the hens inside and the final one outside.

She ran and hid at my feet under the ramp, but continued to make those same frightened chirps.

Not sure how to help her figure out what needed to happen I prayed.

Then, I shifted my position, gently shoed her out from under the ramp and stepped as far away from the door while still holding it as I could.

Finally, she got the idea, jumped up on the ramp and went inside.

I locked up the chickens as I couldn’t sort out the door right then and I needed to get out of the weather.

I thanked God that nothing had happened to the chickens and then I realized…

That one lone hen is me.

I have allowed fear of something to keep me from obedience, frightened by a “change” and I start avoiding God and all He has for me.

My natural tendency next is to talk with others about my fears or feelings rather than, just getting close to my Father and following His lead.

It’s something I’m working on, but haven’t completely conquered yet.

But I know through Christ, I will.

And until then, I’ll have a few chickens to remind me what not to do.

Psalm 73:28 KJV — But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. Thank You for Your wonderful works and Your compassion. Thank You for using a few chickens to teach me about myself and how fear will actually keep me from what is best for me. Lord, thank You that I need not be afraid, for Your salvation is all I need and I’m safe in You. Thank You that You know me and what I need. Thank You for Your patience with me, especially when I’m acting like a chicken. Thank You that You are a good teacher, You show me my errors and encourage me in the ways of righteousness. Thank You for Your love. I love You. Amen.