Sparrows

They're not really majestic creatures, but they can show us God's love and care!

GEM Girls!!! How has your summer break been?

A few days after the start of my summer break, I went on a trip with my family. We all had a glorious time, but one thing that I will never forget are the sparrows I saw there. Now, they didn't come feeding me bread like the ravens did for Elijah, but after reflecting on them, I got to see a glimpse of how much God cares for us.

You see, as I was admiring the view outside during my trip, a bunch of sparrows gathered a few feet in front of me and hopped around, pecking at the grass for any snack they could nibble on. I smiled as I watched them (who doesn't think they're adorable?) and was in awe at the speed in which they could hop (they're truly speed itself).

But later, as I thought about the cute little sparrows, I was reminded of when Jesus talked about them in the book of Matthew:

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father...Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows"

(Matt. 10:29, 31).

Sparrows aren't large, grand birds. They're not eye-catching or exotic like peacocks or parrots. They're just common little birds. Yet, Jesus says that God takes notice when even one falls to the ground. If He cares about a sparrow falling onto the ground, then how much more does He care about us when we fall into sin? If He cares about a single sparrow that has fallen off its branch, how much more does God hurt and desperately want for us to return to Him when we stray from His presence? If God cares deeply about seemingly insignificant creatures (I don't mean this in a negative way) such as sparrows, how much more does God care about us?

All of us go through times of discouragement and doubt. Sometimes, we may feel discouraged because of our sin and start to question whether God can accept us (I definitely have). But please remember that God indeed can and will accept us! And He won't just accept us--He will embrace us, just as the prodigal son's father threw his arms around his erring son when he saw him afar off. God cares so much for you and I. He wants us to go back to Him just as we are, even though we sometimes doubt Him, choose self over Him, hurt Him with our sins, or turn away from Him.

So next time you find yourself doubting whether God can love you or forgive you, think about the sparrows and claim this promise: "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7).

Lots of love,