A Sparrow's Cry
God's Help for the Hurting Family
by David Jeremiah

Picture birds building their nests, soaring through blue skies, chirping in treetops. But, they have problems—storms, fires, babes tumbling from nests. Not one falls without God knowing. "I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine" (Psalm 50:11).

Is your nest troubled with teens, finances, in-laws, divorce? Feel your nest tumbling?

Pray. "Prayer is not…an irksome duty..., but...a joy and power [with] no limit. ...That we may find grace...in time of need (The Kneeling Christian). Is a spouse or child in crisis? Bring heaven to bear through prayer. We can move people through God by prayer alone.

Pray Scripture: "Lord, work in them both to will and to do Your good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). Pray hymns: Revive [name] again. Fill his heart with Thy love. May his soul be rekindled with fire from above ("Revive Us Again"). Always pray and never give up (Luke 18:1).

Trust God. Jesus said: "Two sparrows [are] sold for a copper coin. Not one...falls...apart from your Father's will. The...hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear...you are of more value than many sparrows. ...Five sparrows [are] sold for two copper coins? Not one...is forgotten before God" (Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6-7).

A young boy in Spain testified that he came to Christ because of the odd sparrow. Jesus knew our custom. We trap birds and get one chico for two. For two chicos we throw in an extra sparrow. I'm poor and little like the extra sparrow. No one counts me. But Señor Jesus said, "Not one of them is forgotten before God." Then I knew, He really loves me.

Feel like the odd sparrow? Jesus loves you and knows your distress. No problem's too big. Place them in His hands.

Seek His Guidance. Songbirds travel south instinctively. God gives them an internal guidance system. If God's children are more valuable than sparrows, and He guides His creation, He will guide us! "He leadeth me."

"When...trials and temptations crowd into your lives...don't resent them as intruders...welcome them as friends! They come to test your faith and...produce...endurance. If...you [don't] know how to meet...[a] problem…ask God—who gives generously to all men...the necessary wisdom will be given" (James 1:2-5).

Personal relationships get complicated. But God gives wisdom—to act, react, respond, and love. Using friends, counselors... He guides, and His wisdom is awesome. He guides the birds in their migrations and will guide you. Determine to do His will.

Do Your Best—then let God do the rest. Don't assume responsibility for other's decisions. "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all" (Rom 12:18). God commands us to live peaceably if possible and as far as it depends on you. Just do your part. Sometimes when you are "for peace...they are for war" (Psalm 120:7).

When Ruth Graham's sons rebelled against God, she wrote that "mothers must take care of the possible and trust God for the impossible. ...Love, affirm, encourage, teach, listen, and care for...the family. We cannot convict of sin, create thirst...after God, or convert... Miracles are not in our department."

Wait. After praying, doing your best, trusting God, wait on Him to work His will. God's timing is different. Exercising patience is the hard part. God never is in a rush, even though we usually are. Waiting on God allows Him to provide the best answer (The Mind of Christ).

Be encouraged. Look up every occurrence of the word wait in your Bible. "I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord [on earth]. ...Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." (Psalm 27:13-14)

God cares for your family. He's the family's Creator and Great Physician. Pray, trust Him, seek His wisdom, do your best, and wait on Him to work. If His eye is on the sparrow, He is surely watching you.

This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's devotional magazine.
Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008