He Cares for the Sparrows

If you're like me, you check in with news reports to see what is happening in Ukraine.  The situation there is never far from my thoughts and prayers, so I want to get the latest reports.

But there's information coming in from other sources that's important to hear too:

- paratroopers being blown off course

- ships unable to land because of stormy seas

- huge amounts of food, clothing, and other supplies being donated

- people all over Europe opening their homes and hearts to refugees

In the midst of the turmoil, there are good things happening.  We need to pray for more of that, even as we pray for the conflict to end.

While we pray for things happening on the big, world-wide scale - there are always things happening right around us where we live.  We have to give attention to them, and trust for answers to prayer right where we are.  It's not an either/or, but both/and.  I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed with all I need to pray for!

It's helpful for me to take time to just sit in His presence, and receive from Him.  It keeps things in balance.  As I abide in Him, He gives me His heart and His perspective for all the different situations.  It's such a help - and also a protection from getting overloaded.  I can trust Him to guide me through the maze of needs close by and far away.  He leads me along, step by step.

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

"Consider it all joy...when you encounter various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."  James 1:2,3

As I have been praying for all these things - an end to the raging war, for healing of hearts and bodies of those around me, for comfort for hurting hearts, for strength, grace, and encouragement for those who are going through trying times, for provision for those in need – I have been encouraged by one of God’s little creatures…

The migration of swallows from Europe which happens every summer .  This summer they arrived on Oct. 25. They fly during the day, covering about 200 miles each day.  Their journey takes about six weeks.  This past year their route was tracked over western France, eastern Spain into Morocco, crossing the Sahara desert, over the Congo rainforest, and on into Namibia and South Africa.  They have an incredible navigational ability, and they often return to the same nest they had the year before.  Some local bird enthusiasts who watch their activities say they're preparing to leave us and head north before long for the northern hemisphere summer.

I'm a bit in awe of these little creatures - flying 40 days or so twice a year.  I dread even one long plane trip!  And the fact that they know their way, and often return to the same nest as the year before.  Incredible!

Thinking about these little ones, I was reminded of a well known verse in the Bible.  "What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin?  But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it."  Matthew 10:29  And I like the way it's expressed in Luke 12:6 - "not one of them is forgotten by God."

Realizing that God is so mindful of them - it gave me fresh confidence that God is aware of everything happening in my life.  No detail, large or small, goes unnoticed by the Lord.  He is watching over me.  He is releasing strength and grace for every need I'm facing.  His comfort and presence is with me continually.  He never leaves me, never forsakes me.  He is my constant companion through day and night.  Having a fresh reminder of this gave me such comfort and security.

And as I pray for all the dear ones in Ukraine, I know God is with them.  I know His heart is broken over all that is happening.  I know He's working miracles to help and strengthen them.

I know He's answering our prayers in ways we both see and don't see.  I know He is so mindful of each and every person.  As we lift up our prayers, He is sending ministering angels to care for each one.

I continue to hear reports of how God is at work in Ukraine.  Our prayers make a difference!  We must keep praying for all the workers who are trying to help the refugees - to get them moved from danger, to feed and clothe them, to provide medical care, to bring comfort in the midst of so much uncertainty, and to help them find places to go.  The workers are sometimes weary, but they push themselves to keep going because the needs are great.  Pray for extra strength for them.  Pray for anointing on their caring hands - and for safety as they take risks to help.

"I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine."  Psalm 50:11

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  2 Corinthians 4: 7-9

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

It's easy to lose hope when we look at the ravages of the war in Ukraine and see all the suffering.  But being reminded of how God cares for the birds, every single one of them, gives fresh hope to keep praying for miracles to help those in the war zone - and to pray for peace.