Asking

We were eating lunch when, outside the window, a hummingbird approached the feeder. Swiftly she moved from hole to hole, dipping her bill briefly before moving on the the next. She finished the circle then hovered a moment, looking in the window at us. Her message was clear. The feeder was empty and she wanted us to do something about it.

But wait, you say. Does a bird know who makes the sugar-water and puts it in the feeder? Does a bird know who to ask for more? Seems impossible, doesn’t it? And yet, she looked in the window. Did she see us? I don’t know. I only report what I saw.

But here’s truth. Jesus encourages – even commands – His followers to ask.
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 New Living Translation
And,
You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:22 New Living Translation

As I read it, there is no limit on our asking except faith. And of course, without faith, who would bother to ask? So if we don’t ask, that’s on us.

But back to the hummingbird: no matter what she knew or believed about the feeder or us, there was one thing she didn’t know. She couldn’t know that on my kitchen counter there was a fresh batch of sugar-water cooling.

Which brings me to more truth: God already knows our needs and is prepared to meet them!
Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Matthew 6:8b Living Bible
And,
I will answer them before they even call to me.
    While they are still talking about their needs,
    I will go ahead and answer their prayers! Isaiah 65:24 New Living Translation

In less than an hour the feeders were cleaned and refilled. And the hummingbird, who has no words, thanked me by visiting, perching and drinking.

And I thank God, Who cares for His creatures with my hand … and cares for me with His.