The Fifth Sparrow

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2.

Jesus Christ made it clear in the Gospel of John 16:33, that his disciples would have trouble in this life. Indeed, all of God’s children can expect the same thing. He never promised us this life would be easy, but He does promise to be with us till we overcome. Jesus is with us, right in the midst of all we’re going through. Even in the deepest of waters, God is there with us.

“When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.” Acts 27:20.

The reality of what you are facing can seem so overwhelming that you might feel like giving up. But don’t! The circumstances may be too difficult in human terms, but in Christ, there is always hope. He alone can truly rescue you and keep you from drowning.

“2 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long?” Psalm 6:2-3

Maybe you hear voices telling you to just quit, give up, and let it go. Don’t stop. The devil may be shouting, “You’ll never win!” But God has victory in store for you! Don’t be afraid. When you are weak, He will be your strength. It’s not over. God’s working behind the scene. Press on. Don’t draw back; don’t relinquish your hold on what God has promised.

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.” Psalm 27:10.

DOES ANYONE CARE?

Hagar was a single woman who was forced to leave a place she called home. As she and her son wandered in the wilderness, she thinks no one cared. Hagar thinks no one love or cares about her or her son. After their water supply had dried up, she placed her son under a tree to die. And he cried. Hagar cried as she drew her last breath. And heard them. The Angel of God appeared to her. The LORD calmed Hagar’s fears, telling her not to be afraid.

“God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.” Genesis 21:17.

Hagar was an outcast. She was a slave and was looked down on by others. However, in God’s eyes, she was precious and worth pursuing. Hagar is one of the most misunderstood people in the Bible, yet God understands her. The LORD knows her name. In her desperate and hopeless state, God found her. The OMNIPRESENT God came to Hagar’s rescue. He helped her. Many in her days think of Hagar as a commodity, but God looks at her as a person.

Just as God heard Hagar and her son sobbing in the wilderness, He is the God who sees you. And that is something you should never, ever forget. God has seen every tear you have cried. He cares about you. He will care for you and turn your sorrow into dancing. He will see you through the toughest season of your life. God understands you. He will never abandon you. He saw you before you were born. Psalm 139:13, 16. He formed you and saw you in your mother’s womb. Why would you think He stops caring for you now?

“Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns--and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26.

If you were to buy four sparrows, they would throw the fifth sparrow in for free! Meaning the fifth sparrow is worthless, useless and insignificant. Yet it is not forgotten by God. God cares for every one of them.

Do you feel like if you weren’t around nobody would miss you? There are times when life breaks us down. In such circumstances, we are apt to turn our resentment, not just upon those responsible, but upon God as well. We get angry that He could allow such things to happen. But let me remind you once again, God loves you. You are worth more than many sparrows! His heart beats for you. He loves you. You are not forgotten.

If you feel like a fifth sparrow today and fear that you don’t matter, take courage and know that it’s not true. You do matter. In the darkest parts of the night and the darkest corner of your hearts, God is always there. Even if you do not feel Him near, God is there.