Are not two sparrows sold for a
penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your
Father. And even the hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid;
you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 NIV
I know that today's verses are probably among the most
familiar of all Scripture, yet they never cease to amaze me!
In the past week we have had three little sparrows
smack against one of our large picture windows. The first little one was
stunned. I ran and picked him up, keeping him safe from predators ready to
spring. After awhile he recovered and gracefully flew from the safety of my
palm.
The second one fluttered in an instant from this world
back to the hand of his Maker. As I cradled the little body, still warm and
soft, I was deeply touched by sadness at the short span of his life and the
abruptness by which it ended. He was so lovely, young and vibrant. I wrapped him
carefully and disposed of his lifeless shell with respect, bowing humbly within
my spirit to God's design for His world.
The third little fluff ball smacked less hard,
recovered in midair and continued on his way and winged his path to freedom.
These three incidents in as many days not only
reminded me of these touching and familiar verses but also how they are a
comfort amidst any situation we may be facing, for life inflicts many blows upon
us.
- Some
stun us with their violence, sadness or unexpectedness. Yet God is with us,
sheltering us in his love and grace, monitoring our recovery.
- Others
call us or someone we love home to eternity. When the call is instantaneous
those of us left behind usually grapple with shock, grief, confusion, fear,
anger, regret, depression and loneliness. Even if the call allows us time to
reflect upon what is fast approaching we still deal with the same kinds of
emotions. Amidst it all however these familiar verses continue to remind us that
God is not absent.
He is well aware of our situation, He is still in control, He still cares
deeply.
- Then
there are the moments when it seems disaster has been averted. The car crash
avoided by a split second. The slip that resulted only in a bruise and not a
break. The hot oil that missed us by a splash. You know what I'm talking about.
We all experience many of these glancing blows that allow us to recover quickly
and flutter back to our normal patterns of daily flight. And perhaps these
moments are some of the greatest miracles of all concerning God's loving
presence and care that can possibly happen, for according to these familiar
verses they do not go unnoticed. In fact, I believe that such happenings may
only be a glancing blow due to his loving and ever faithful care.
After all, a God, who even has the hairs of our head
numbered, isn't going to leave anything simply up to fate, is He?
Prayer: Wonderful Lord and Loving Protector, thank you
that throughout this day and everyday you are constantly aware of our lives, all
we are and all that happens around and to us. Thank you that amidst it you are
enough to see us through from birth to death and all that lies in between. In
Christ's wonderful name we pray. Amen
Lynne Phipps
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
Atlin, BC
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