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Listen while you read: "And Can It Be That I Should Gain"1 (Lyrics) |
In June of this year, I had the awesome opportunity to witness three adorable baby wrens leave their nesting box. Their loud chirping filled my backyard with the sound of joy and excitement as they set out to explore the world. Yet, for me, this experience was bittersweet. I watched as one by one they left their home, but it was the last little bird that especially touched my heart. He was hesitant to move out, as if he were afraid to spread his wings. But finally, he, too, joined his siblings, albeit, not for long.
The third fledgling was unable to keep up with the others, so I knew that something was wrong. I kept an eye on him, waiting and hoping that his mother would return to take charge. Unfortunately, she never came. I wanted to help, but it was too late; he died shortly thereafter. For days, I cried, wondering if there was something that I could have done.
Then, I remembered Jesus' comforting words:
Matthew 10:29 – Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. (NIV 2011)
He assures us that God cares for every bird, including all the baby birds that never had a chance to fly. Not one is forgotten by our heavenly Father. Other versions indicate that not one falls to the ground apart from His knowledge, consent, or permission. What an awesome thought to ponder!
Therefore, if we believe that the Lord tenderly cares for fallen wild birds, how much more does He care for us?
Matthew 10:30-31 – And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV 2011)
Thus, let us observe God's glory and wisdom in nature, in particular, the birds of heaven. Find them in the Bible. Encounter them in your backyard. Discover the many ways that they speak to you.
Prayer: Sovereign Lord, as the birds of the sky make their homes, chirping loudly in the trees with their songs of praise, may we remember that You know each and every one of them. May we see Your glory and wisdom, even in the short life of a young fledgling. May we take it to heart, receive instruction, and rejoice in the wonders of all Your creation. In Jesus' precious and mighty name, we pray. Amen.
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Wonderful! This lifted my heart.
Had a similar experience myself and thought the same thoughts.
So wonderful Lori. As usual. I love your teachings. They are so good.
Lori,
Thanks for sharing this and the verse, yes there are so many lessons to learn from birds.
Lori – I love this story; I am very blessed to know He knows and cares what happens to me. Thank you for sharing.
I am most likely your biggest “fan”. Loved your offering today, its great to be reminded of how much HE really knows and loves us.
Lori – loved your devotional today. What a great reminder of how God watches over all of creation all of the time. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for today’s devotional. The hymn “God sees the little sparrow fall” has always been a favourite of mine, learned it all by heart about 70 years ago.
Dear Lori: This especially touched me because recently I was diagnosed with cancer. Your words are a GREAT comfort to me because they assure me that God is at my side and will be, as I go through this new journey. God Bless you.
Thank you, Lori!
I’ve forwarded today’s devotional to a couple who are facing a huge challenge right now. They so need to hear this message of God’s love and care.
Thanks, again, for being willing to serve as God’s pen.
Good morning, Lori,
This lovely devotional reminds me of a hymn we sang in Sunday School, many years ago, and one I think of often… “God sees the little sparrow fall.”
God bless you, Lori, for all your most meaningful messages.
Lori, God does bless us through his creation and the creatures in this world, especially the birds I feed. Their songs and antics around the feeders provide endless hours of joy. Now that winter approaches, most will fly South to escape the bitter cold. Those that remain will hunker down in our numerous spruce trees, a short flight from the feeders. Thanks for reminding us of God’s care for them … and us! What a marvelous Savior we serve! Thanks for sharing this devotional with us. Blessings.
Hi Lori,
This devotional reminds me to ask how you are doing.
Our granddaughter who has Aspberger’s is in a therapeutic boarding school and she seems to be responding to being there. She went there to camp this past summer. It is fortunate that her parents can afford this quality “treatment-education” for her.
Thanks also for your devotional. Since we live on a ranch, we get to see many successful and unsuccessful adventures with young animals.
That was beautiful Lori. You have such a tender heart and a beautiful spirit. Thank you.
Dear Lori,
It seems a long time since I was made aware of the emotional feeling I once had for the verse about the little bird not falling to the ground without the Father’s care and concern.
Sometimes I feel like that little bird needing the Father’s deep concern. I pray for it – me, and all others feeling little and needing help.
Thanks for the reminder.
Keep writing for Jesus’ sake. Amen.