Who knew birds would be picky eaters? Yet, as they gather around our bird feeder, some seed seems not to be to their liking. They throw it on the ground. At first, we thought they were dropping the seed accidentally, as they ate. However, more careful observation reveals an intentional tossing of what they don’t want.
It’s reasonable to think they would be grateful someone put food out for them. You’d think they would appreciate the continual replenishment. They flock to the feeder, sometimes pushing other birds out of the way, and eat their fill. After they empty the feeder, they don’t seem at all surprised to find it re-filled. There is no indication they expect anything less.
Of course the Bible mentions how God takes care of the birds. They don’t have to worry about where they will get their food–the Father provides. He may use a field of grass, or a back-yard bird feeder, but birds don’t worry about finding food. Their heavenly Father is a faithful provider. Because He is faithful, perhaps they take His provision for granted. Seed is plentiful. If something isn’t tasty enough, they can discard it.
But what about us? When Jesus taught His listeners that God provides for human need, He used birds as an illustration. Just as He provides generously for the birds, God is generous to provide for us. He provides everything we need. He provides an abundance of good things. He is faithful.
Yet, how often do we grumble and complain about what we don’t have and fail to be grateful for what we do have? It’s easy to grumble about anything that is not to our liking. It’s easy to complain because we have less than we want. It’s easy for us to take for granted what God provides, and fail to thank Him. Unlike the birds, we may worry about supplies running out.
The Bible reminds us God knows how to give good gifts to His children. We often fail to appreciate the goodness of what is offered. God uses the things we find distasteful, unwelcome, or uncomfortable for a higher purpose than just satisfying our desires. In our human nature, we want to discard the trials and hardships. We want to avoid suffering of any kind. We fail to see how God uses those very things to strengthen our faith, teach us patience and compassion, and teach us about His nature.
It’s characteristic of children to be picky eaters. They are vocal about what they don’t like. They are clear about their preference for ice cream or cookies over Brussels sprouts. Children fail to see the value of broccoli, carrots, and peas. They don’t understand their parents are trying to produce in them strong, healthy bodies.
We may not be as vocal as children, but we grumble in our spirits when we don’t like something. We fail to understand our heavenly Father wants to produce in us strong, healthy spiritual bodies. May we learn to be grateful for everything God provides.
We have an advantage over the birds. God reveals Himself personally. We can know Him. The better we know Him, the better able we are to trust what He brings or allows into our lives. He gives good gifts. He gave us Jesus. If He sent His only Son to die for our sins so we could inherit eternal life, we can trust Him to give us only good things.
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all– how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Roman 8:32 NIV
Are we sometimes ‘picky eaters’ about what God supplies? How about you? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Brent Connelly from Pixabay
Thank you for the post, Phyllis. Thankful to God for His love and care.
He gives us many reasons to be thankful. Thank you, Joni.