When God Sends A Raven

Have you or do you currently feel like you are in a “Job season”? That is a season of hardships and suffering. 

For those who may be wondering what I mean, Job is a man in the Bible who endured a tremendous amount of pain and suffering. He lost everything: his family, his wealth, and eventually his health, none of which he deserved. Job loved God and followed him wholeheartedly, but like us, he still grieved and wrestled with why God would allow these things to happen to him. God eventually did restore Job (twice as much as he had before!), but it wasn’t without his fair share of trials. 

Job is one of my favorite books in the Bible, and I highly recommend you check it out for yourself. You will see how much we can relate to Job, especially when we don’t understand why terrible things happen to us and others. After all, if God is so loving and just, why in the world would He allow these things to happen? 

I’ve asked myself that recently and even questioned if God is, in fact, real (though I know the answer in my heart). I feel as if I’m in a “Job season”, where it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m not the only one either; many people I know are currently going through hard times. 

One day, I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and that is where this story comes into play. 

It was a frigid and rainy day (welcome to autumn in Alaska), and I decided to take a walk along one of our rivers. I figured it was where I could be alone for the afternoon and pray while also confronting my emotions. It felt that for perhaps the past month, I had experienced one blow after another, and my body and heart could not take it anymore. My mental health had been the lowest it’s been in years, I received a few troubling news about family and friends, my stomach issues had begun to flare tremendously again, and I began to obsess and worry about finances; it just seemed like the hard times would never stop. The worst part, however, was I was wrestling with doubt, lack of trust, and anger towards God. I knew He was real and that these things wouldn’t last, but I was having a hard time believing it. 

Once I got down to the riverbed, I just walked in silence for a while. I knew I wanted to say something, but I felt like the words couldn’t leave my mouth. It was like they were trapped in my throat, clawing to get out, but I wouldn’t allow it. When I finally began to pray, I just felt tears immediately pour from my eyes. I could feel my anger, grief, and anxiety flow from my quivering mouth as I repeatedly asked God if He even heard me. I knew He did, but it felt like lately I had been talking into empty space. “God, why won’t You help me?”, “Why won’t you show me that You’re here?”, “I’m so angry these things are happening, and nothing is getting better!” were among some of the phrases spoken. I was even trying to test God, demanding that He prove Himself. “God, if You’re real, then do (insert absurd request)”. Needless to say, I was a blubbering mess. 

But once I composed myself and addressed how I was truly feeling, I apologized. I knew God’s Truth and He was there; I was just at a breaking point. That’s when I asked, “God, please show me You're listening to me by sending an eagle my way.” I promised I would still trust He was there, even if He didn’t answer my request. He didn’t send an eagle, but He did do something better. 

Out of nowhere, I got the strong, sudden urge to cross the river. I felt uneasy about it but chose to do it anyway. I waited for a few moments, just casually admiring the scenery and peacefulness when, in the distance, I saw a raven flying towards me. Not around me, directly towards me. If you haven’t seen an Alaskan raven before, know they are surprisingly large birds, and it’s intimidating to be next to them (let alone have one flying at you). I instinctively wanted to move but just heard the gentle whisper, “Be still.”

That raven flew close enough around me that if I were to reach out, it would probably just be beyond my grasp. I felt my stomach drop, and my heart quickened when it circled around me and eventually landed not too far away. I could see the chips on its beak and its eyes staring into my soul. I was honestly a little terrified, especially when it kept creeping closer toward me and watching me. 

Then we just sat there, watching each other for what was most likely only about a minute or two. But it felt so much longer. 

Eventually, I started to slowly walk away and approach the river again. This raven stayed close behind, following and watching like it was counting my steps. I felt some fear stir inside me, but again just heard a gentle whisper of, “Don’t be afraid. It won’t hurt you." Joshua 1:9 instantly came to my mind about being strong and courageous and that God is with me always. I felt a little silly since it was just a raven, but I was uneasy with its proximity next to me. 

I crossed the river again after feeling it was okay to leave, and then I turned around and paused to watch the raven. It remained on the other side of the river, still watching me as it paced around. It came across a decaying salmon and proceeded to eat, still staring at me. And then it stretched its wings, flew around me, and returned to the mountains. 

While I watched it feast on the salmon, Matthew 6:26 engulfed my mind: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” I felt my heart just become overwhelmed with peace. One of the ways that God speaks to me is through birds since it reminds me constantly of this verse. God reminded me of these two verses (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 6:26), showing that He is always with me, will always provide, and He cares deeply for me. This slightly terrifying but amazing experience not only brought me closer to God but helped me realign my perspective and rest assured that He is indeed real and hears me.   

Sure, I may still be battling some hard times and have moments of feeling hopeless, but my confidence in God’s realness and ability has been restored. Knowing that God is with me in hardships helps me get through the day. There is no way I could face life without Him.

Here is my encouragement for you/someone you know who's in their “Job season”. First and foremost, God loves you so much, more than you will ever be able to comprehend. How great is it that despite our shortcomings, mistakes and doubt, God still loves us and is there for us? Always keep that at the forefront of your mind, especially in hard times.

Second, know that God sees you, hears you, and is with you through whatever may be happening, even if it may not feel like it at the moment. He feels your pain, He cries your tears, and His heart breaks with yours. He is the only one who will truly understand the hurt you feel and is there ready to comfort you.

And thirdly, which can be the most difficult, understand that there is always hope when we have Christ on our side. We have to be willing to surrender to Him our circumstances and trust this hope He promises; remember He is a promise-keeper, not a promise-breaker. 

For those facing hard times, know that my heart breaks for you and that you are in my prayers. If you ever need prayer or encouragement, you can contact me here. But above all else, remember that God is with you, and He loves you. Nothing will ever change that fact. You will face multiple "Job seasons", just like I and many others have, but trust me when I say He's got your back.

May God bless and comfort you!