Worth More than Many Sparrows

Written by Kirsten Strawn

I sat slumped over my computer. What’s the point of all my writing? I asked God. I’ve been writing for years, but am I wasting my time?

I was afraid of failure. Would I ever write a book? Would anyone read it? All I wanted was to make a difference. Surely I had not gone through my past suffering in vain.

Pastor Miles reminded us in his sermon series, Body Language, how through Jesus Christ we know without a doubt God is personal. Jesus was the Word that spoke creation into existence. That Word came to earth to teach us His ways as well as pay the penalty of our sin so that we who believe can have an abundant life here and everlasting. Jesus resurrected from the dead, He is alive today, and active in our lives if we take the time to listen.

Over the years He has spoken to me in various ways to give me hope, direction, and purpose. Now He was going to use a scripture verse, His creation, the Spirit, and a message from a friend.

Be Courageous

Glancing down, I noticed a small piece of paper with a scripture on it. I had gotten the verse at Bible study during Easter when we each received a plastic egg filled with goodies. Each egg also contained a scripture with a promise to claim as our own.

Picking up the small piece of paper I re-read my promise from Joshua 1:9. Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for I am with you wherever you go.

I straightened up in my chair. God was telling me not to be afraid, to trust Him with my writing, and to be obedient.

With a sigh, I rested in the thought that the Creator of the universe gave me a love note to encourage me. But He wasn’t finished yet.

Be Encouraged

Glancing at my blank screen I contemplated whether to begin writing or succumb to the diversion of email. I clicked on My Yahoo Mail to see a message in my inbox from a friend in Canada. I had spoken at her women’s retreat when I lived there two years prior. I opened her note.

Good Morning my friend! You won't believe the conversation I just had. It was about you! A woman just called me about registration. She said that it was through the speaker that we had two years ago that she grew so much from that weekend. She said you were so transparent with your story, how you were "real" and the impact you had on her life. You showed her that by being "real" the effect she can have on other people’s lives. Praise God! I hope this encourages you today.


Overwhelmed by the timing of this beautiful message of encouragement, I knew God was clearly giving me direction. He wanted me to share my story of hope. God cares for me. He knows my fears, yet He will give me the strength and the courage to press on, to make a difference in people’s lives as I

photo by Aaardvaark

did at the woman's retreat.

A lump formed in my throat as tears moistened my eyes. I began to compose a reply to my sweet friend when I heard a strange flapping sound behind me near the open kitchen door.

Be Not Afraid

A sparrow fluttered into my kitchen hovering for several seconds in midair before landing on the shutters. I remained still, not wanting to scare the bird. I watched in amazement. Then to my surprise another sparrow entered through the door, hovering near the window.

Shocked, I wondered what made these two birds come into my house. I became acutely aware of God’s presence. Unbelievably, just then a third bird, this time a red-crested finch, fluttered into my kitchen.

Could this really be happening? Not one bird, not two, but three birds bringing a message. A trinity of birds. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit: God was allowing me to experience Him personally through His creation.

Tears welled up again. I praised God for His love as I stared in awe. I rejoiced in the message these birds delivered. I thought about the song, His Eye Is On the Sparrow, and the scripture that says, So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31).

SUBHED
From my desk I watched the birds until it occurred to me that they might fly around the house. I asked God to help them leave without getting hurt.
Then in the same way they came in, one by one, the birds flew out the door unharmed.

I was left with the overwhelming presence of God. I felt His peace and comfort lift my spirits and renew my strength. I knew I could do anything with Him by my side, (Phil.4:13). I marveled at how personal God is.

Over the years I have learned to hear from God by doing the following:
Seek Him with all of my heart to find Him (Jeremiah 29:13)
Pray and God will guide me in His Word (119:105)
Expect to hear from God (Psalm 50:1)
Ask for specific direction and it will be given (James 1:5)
Know God will speak through His Word, Spirit, people, and creation (19:1-8)

As Pastor Miles continues to teach about how God speaks to us through His creation, the Word of God, the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, people, and the circumstances in our lives I urge you to slow down, be aware of God’s presence, and listen to what Jesus is trying to tell you. He is with you wherever you go.

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Through Kirsten Strawn’s obedience to write, God uses her stories to encourage others through Rock the Word: The Rock Church Writers Ministry, and at her website at http://www.TheFaithCoach.com/.