Bible thought: “And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him” (Matthew 3:16).
Last spring my wife had major surgery and was diagnosed with cancer. The day after we got home from the hospital, God sent a dove to nest on our front porch. I named her Joy because that’s what I needed as we faced uncertain days ahead.
In a few weeks, as we returned from church services on Easter Sunday, we discovered the first baby, Hope. In the months that have followed, we have been blessed with baby quails I have named Faith, Love, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Heaven, and Nevaeh (Heaven backwards); nine in all!
Through the experience I have learned from that dove the importance of patient waiting and hope through heat, cold, wind, and now, this illness.
The dove at Jesus’ baptism signified God’s presence, blessing, and approval. Our dove has confirmed the same to me as we go through what could otherwise be a time of dark uncertainty. God is here and with us now, and we are comforted!
“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song;
As the burdens press and the cares distress and the way grows weary and long?
O yes, He cares; I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.”
— Frank E. Greaff
Local churches care too, and we welcome you!
Faith and Insight by Bruce Henderson, Airport Road Church of Christ, Carson City.