HOW MUCH ARE YOUR SPARROWS WORTH?
- Key Verse
- "So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." (Matthew 10:31, NLT)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
God does not want us to be afraid. He tells over and over through scripture, "do not be afraid," "do not fear." If the Lord repeats Himself He must want us to take a hold of something. The Word encourages us not to fear because we are valued by Him.
Reflections
One day some friends and I decided to go to a Jesus Rally in the old Yankee Stadium in New York. The event was free and I did not realize how long I would be there and like any teenager I had no money. I was having a great time listening to the speakers and special music. God was really becoming real to me that day. During a time of intermission all my friends left to get something to eat. I remained in my seat in that huge stadium feeling so insignificant and alone, and very hungry. I remember saying to the Lord "help me hold on until the end of the rally" I was so hungry.
I did not know the woman sitting next to me who began enjoying her beautifully packed lunch. She offered me a sandwich, which I politely declined, but she insisted and I was starving. I was happy to have something to hold me over and devoured it. She then handed me an apple and a drink as well. My friends returned wondering why I was not hungry, little did they know I had just had a gourmet meal.
I was very impressed at how God had taken care of me that day. I was just a sparrow in a sea of hundreds of sparrows that day in Yankee Stadium. Still He took the time to feed me, because I was valued by Him. And though my spirit was fed that day during the rally, I was so valuable to Him that He used a stranger to feed my body as well.
Since that day many years ago, God has shown me over and over again that even the smallest things in my life are important to Him. We often get blown away when God comes through in major ways, but we don't give Him credit for paying a great price for the sparrows in our lives.
God not only cares for us but He values us so much that even the most insignificant things are important to Him.
How much are your sparrows worth?
Discussion Questions
1. Can you think of a time you felt valued by God?2. Can you identify the sparrows in your life?
Priscilla Cole
January 14, 2010 08:16 AM
I LOVED THIS MESSAGE!! I've always loved the song words "...His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me..." - Nellie's witness was so touching because it shows how she remembers the impact of a small, generous gesture from so many years ago; but I'll bet the woman who fed Nellie when she was hungry doesn't remember it at all because that woman was simply generous of heart.
Terry Ewell
January 14, 2010 08:39 AM
Thank you for sharing that wonderful story. It is inspiring to see how God understands what we need. We as his servants need to be available to reach out a hand of compassion to others around us as the lady next to you did that day.
Rose Marie Cox
January 14, 2010 08:50 AM
It's always good to be reminded that God DOES care about the insufficient things in our lives. Because nothing is insufficient to HIM!
Marci Knight
January 14, 2010 08:53 AM
What a beautiful testimony about God's unfailing love for us.Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all about the sparrows !!
Linda Hartman
January 14, 2010 08:47 PM
I take things pretty literally, so I never thought about the 'sparrow' in this passage pertaining to the 'small' things in my life. It was a great eye opener for me. Thanks for helping me see this passage in a new way and being reminded that God cares for ALL the details of my life.
Renee Cotton
January 15, 2010 10:55 AM
Nellie, this is a lovely example of God's provision. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Kemi
January 23, 2010 04:36 PM
Yes indeed. We are definitely worth more than a sparrow!. We are God's children-no doubt about it. Thanks.