“Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Mt 10:29-31).
Jesus is encouraging his followers in today’s Gospel account as he does so with us today. What may seem insignificant to his hearers, two small sparrows, Jesus is saying has great significance to God. What has greater significance still is us as human beings because we are created in God’s image and likeness.
It was in the parallel verses to today’s Gospel from Matthew found in Luke 12:2-9, that I first remember God speaking to me in my late teens. I had returned home from a high school party. I vaguely remember feeling bored and not quite fitting in and wondering what direction my life would lead as graduation loomed on the horizon. I opened my Bible for some guidance and read the verses above.
Then I heard in the quiet of my mind God encouraging me not to worry. He then followed by telling me that I would not win the lottery, but that he would provide work for me. God has remained true to his word over these past thirty-five plus years. Life hasn’t been perfect, and there have been some rough moments, especially over the past year, but through it all, God has not only consistently provided a means for me to make a living, but more importantly, I have felt his comfort, his guidance, but above all his quiet, rock-solid presence, especially during times when I did not feel I had the strength to go on.
No matter what you may be struggling with or what may be troubling you now, no matter what may be tempting you to buy into worry, anxiety, or even fear, don’t give in to the mind storm, because we are never alone. When Jesus says that even all “the hairs of your head are counted”, he is assuring us that God knows each and every one of us that intimately, that closely. He knows us better than we know ourselves and ultimately, that he is with us for the long haul. God our Father will guide and provide the means we need to not only survive but thrive.
Photo: Some quiet time with God, early evening walk last night.
Spiritual Stepping Stones