The sun was just starting to rise as I clicked my door lock and started to get in my car. As I glanced I spotted a dead sparrow lying on the driveway…frozen as though she just fell out of the sky. On any other day I probably would not have noticed.
Who notices sparrows? They are so common and prolific we don’t even see them. People don’t exclaim…”Look at that beautiful sparrow!”
On THIS day I did notice. It was one of the worst days of my life to date, and I felt very insignificant on planet earth. Spotting the sparrow felt like I was receiving a direct message from God that I desperately needed.
My mind instantly recalled “He sees the sparrow that falls.” Somehow God was able to say to me that cold, lonely morning, “I see you! Out of all of the millions of people on the continents, in the countries, states and cities, I see YOU. You are on my mind.”
This is one reason it is so important to store the Word of God in our hearts. He can use it to speak to us when needed. I needed it that particular morning. God was able to convey to me that I was not alone in what I faced that day, and I would never be alone. I cannot tell you how many times since then that I have been encouraged by the sight of a sparrow.
That is the beauty of Jesus. His Word is full of promises for those struggling with insignificance. During His earthly ministry He went out of his way to demonstrate that no-one was insignificant.
The lady with the issue of blood that had not felt human touch for at least twelve years was able to touch HIM and He made sure the crowd knew. He healed her.
He stopped…went out of His way to talk to the Samaritan woman at the well. He defended the woman caught in the act of adultery. Surely both of those women felt used and insignificant in life.
He never gave up on the common fisherman Peter. I think I would struggle with feeling insignificant in God’s plan for man if I verbally denied knowing my Savior__ after He had included me in the plan. Jesus goes out of His way after His resurrection to make sure He has a physical conversation with Peter to assure Him of His love…even cooks him breakfast.
He booked lunch with Zacchaeus in front of a crowd. For a tax collector who had to climb a tree just to see Jesus…that must have been a proud moment of feeling significant. He was singled out by God___ for one on one time with Jesus.
What about the man at the pool Bethesda. 38 years…38 years and no one could get him into the pool for healing? Jesus stops and focuses on a man that no one else was able to make a priority. He wasn’t insignificant to Jesus. Jesus cared.
He cast seven devils out of Mary Magdalene and then used her to tell the story of His resurrection. That is significant for someone who had demon possession in their background check.
Friends…Jesus sees you.
There is something about the holiday season that illuminates our feeling of insignificance. It is a trying time if you are in a season of life that doesn’t match the Hallmark movie or card description. Certain things accentuate feelings of failure or loss.
I encourage you to press into God. Read His Word. Listen to His voice.
It is the only place where peace can be found.
If you feel uncared for, ignored, rejected, used or alone you have a Savior who cares.
Jesus is mindful of you.
Jesus’ ear is attentive.
Jesus’ hand is outstretched toward you.
Psalms 139
With a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
The One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
His mercy makes us strong!
Phyllis