Even the Sparrow

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.

And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

-Matthew 10:29-31

As a young mom I often let fear of lack consume me; more than I care to admit. Our decision to homeschool our girls meant sacrificing a lot back in the 90's. It was a time, much like now, when inflation mushroomed quickly and our income could not keep up. My husband decided to make a career move that meant returning to night school to get his Journeymen's and Master license so that he could eventually increase his income. A very wise move that meant big sacrifice for a few years to get there.

One beautiful, sun filled day I was sitting in my backyard as the girls were busy playing and pretending. I sat nearby in my lawn chair watching them while I let fear and worry over our finances consume every corner of my mind. We had a stack of extra bills to pay, our pantry was growing quite bare and I had no idea how we were going to handle all of this. I was feeling so down and so desperate. Mike's full time job and my part time job were not covering our needs.

As I sat submerged in my negative thoughts, a bright red cardinal sat on the fence post right in front of me singing it's heart out. I have no idea how long it was there before the Lord opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear it. As soon as I did notice it, the above verse in Matthew came to my mind. Peace flooded my heart and hope warmed my soul just as He promises it will when we fix our thoughts on Him. Words can't describe the intense love of God that swept through me in that life changing moment. He was there, right there with me and I felt it in the core of my soul. My fear evaporated.

That moment changed me forever. I would like to say that I completely conquered all of my fear right then and there and that I never struggled with it again, but that is not the case. However, slowly with prayer and the Word of God, I have learned to break free from it's grip more and more.

Now here we are again with inflation skyrocketing. I see it squeezing the lives of my daughters and their precious families and I remember. Only now I see it so differently. I understand what this squeezing did in my own life. I see the harvest that the suffering produced. (Romans 5:1-5)

So much fruit was harvested during this period of my life....faith, trust, hope, joy, patience.

Fruit that money cannot buy!

Are you feeling pinched? Concerned that you won't have what you need?

Dear Soul, surrender your heart. Don't wrestle with those thoughts that pull you down. Cast them, literally throw them to the Lord. Let Him use this season of lack, or suffering to do it's work in your life. Accept it, but don't let it consume you like I did. It will produce a harvest of righteousness. He is with you every step of the way and He will walk with You through every fiery trial.

Pray with me...

Heavenly Father,

We praise You that Your eye is on the sparrow and that You graciously care for us. Thank You for Your watchful eye and Your faithfulness.

Forgive us for ever doubting or letting worry consume us. Help us to surrender and let go of all our fears.

When we lack, give us more of You. You are all that we really need. Walk with us and speak tenderly to our hearts. Change us and make us more like You! In Jesus Name