The hummingbirds found my feeder on the front porch. At first, I only had one regular visitor; a small bird, most likely a female. She visited occasionally for a week. But last week, everything changed when two territorial male birds discovered the feeder. Now, every few minutes, tiny projectile-like blurs land on the top of the feeder. They scan for other birds and once they deem it safe, dive in for a quick slurp of nectar, and zip off to nearby trees. But sometimes, the birds don’t make it to the feeder; they are chased off by another bird who thinks they have sole ownership of the feeder. And of course, our dog watches and barks at the chaos.

When I hung up the hummingbird feeder, I wanted to offer another source of nectar for these beautiful birds. Selfishly, I hoped they would find the new food and linger while they drank, showing off their beautiful chests and wings. Some of my best memories of my maternal grandparents were sitting on their porch and watching the hummingbirds at their feeder. I wanted that same experience here. While I did create a new food option, I also inadvertently created a turf war for the two sets of birds.

But sometimes new opportunities for growth and nourishment bring on a whole different type of battle. Like when a person decides to turn to Christ and surrender their lives. The enemy of this world isn’t happy and sends fiery darts from all sides to try and cause this new convert to turn away. Habits start to change in a positive direction, but then resistance shows up from other involved parties, and ZIP. That pesky hummingbird goes in for an attack.

Or maybe after a long absence, a family comes back to church. They are excited for the renewed fellowship and fresh nourishment through preaching, teaching, and worship. But that one person who ruined things for them the last time shows up. ZIP. That annoying hummingbird who thinks he rules the roost swoops in with a vengeance and taints the whole picture.

New nourishment often means new conflict. When God begins a fresh work, the enemy isn’t happy and he will do all he can to try to rob us of our places of nourishment and refreshment. Be alert. Guard the good progress and surround yourself with people who want to keep you nourished with the good things of God. Those pesky, territorial hummingbirds still might swoop in from time to time, but don’t let them steal your special place of refreshment.