The Two Crows

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.”

1 Kings 17:6

The morning of my trip dawned. As I got ready to leave, I couldn’t shake the blues. I felt ashamed for being down—what did I have to be discouraged about? I prayed, “Lord, please brighten my spirits. Grab me by the scruff of the neck and show me your goodness.” 

We packed up and headed to the airport. We flew to Dallas and after our plane landed, I sat by the curb, waiting for my friend to get the van. I heard a “caw!” behind me. When I turned my wheelchair around, two ugly, big crows were sitting on the roof’s ledge. They remained there for at least five minutes, looking down at me. It was so odd, I stared back at them. 

As I did, God brought to mind the story of Elijah. The prophet had become depressed just one day after he performed spectacular miracles. Elijah had announced the end of a drought and was the people’s best friend. Still, he had a bad case of the blues. The record shows that the Angel of the Lord touched Elijah and even agreed that “the journey is too much for you” (1 Kings 19:7). Elijah rested and had something to eat and drink. At another point God sent ravens to feed Elijah. 

All the Lord’s provision came to mind as I stared at those old crows. I knew God had placed them right there when I needed to be reminded that the Lord wanted to give me rest and refreshment. 

The lesson of those crows and of Elijah is for all of us. The Lord gives us gentle reminders of his intimate concern over every detail of our lives. We just have to open our eyes to recognize that, yes, he may even use a couple of crows to make his point.

God, give me physical rest and spiritual food. Enable me to recognize your signs of encouragement even when they come in strange forms.