A Prayer to Know God Cares
By Victoria Riollano
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
Years ago, I began the journey of leading youth ministry at my local church. There’s something about the fun youth games, watching the students mature, and helping teens to encounter God that has always been so exciting to me. If I’m honest, I often have just as much fun as them and learn much from their life experiences and perspective. Last week, I saw this first-hand. Our lesson was about prayer and after watching a video and teaching on how prayer changes lives, we entered into a small group discussion. During this time, one of my favorite students raised her hand with glee and said, “I have seen God answer my prayers twice in a miraculous way.” Needless to say, we were all at the edge of our seats awaiting her story.
She explained, “I have a bird that got out of his cage twice. I panicked when I noticed and said, ‘God please bring her back.’ After lifting my hand out in expectation that she would fly back, she came back quickly.”
Although this story seemed minuscule to some of the students, I shouted out, “You just lived the verse that says His eyes are on the sparrow!” You see, I realized in that moment that the Lord was showing us all that if he cared for that small bird, how much more does He care for us, the ones created in His image.
In Luke 12, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about this very topic. He implores them to not be fearful of those in the world but to have a holy respect for God who was truly in control. He finishes this passage by saying to them, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus was being clear with His disciples that he was attentive to them. He loved them so much that He knew how many hairs they had on their head at any given moment. Imagine a God who knows such intimate details about every single person who was ever created. What wonderous love is this! Jesus was showing them that God was majestic and righteous that He determines the status of the world and its salvation and intimate enough to care about every detail of every person. Even more so, God, not only answers prayers but is attentive and loving. In this truth, we find safety, peace, and strength knowing that He is with us. We don’t have to live a life of fear but can trust God wholeheartedly.
Today, I want to encourage you that God cares about you. He cares about your situation. He cares about your worries. He notices those who rise up against you. He loves to show up for you and remind you that He is present. Much like the young girl in my youth ministry, He wants to show you in the simplest ways that He sees what burdens your heart. May we trust God to provide for us and protect us. He certainly has His eye on His creation.
Let’s pray:
Lord, I thank you for your reminder that you care about everything. Much like you care about the birds and their safety, you are attentive to me. I thank you for loving me. I praise you for calling me friend. I love you because you first loved me. Father, help me to remember that I must never allow fear of the world around me to overtake me. Teach me to keep my faith in you when difficult times come. Show me your heart for me and how I can serve you better. Thank you for being my mighty God and my comforter. You are my greatest reward. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
Victoria Riollano is a mother of eight, veteran spouse, Psychology professor, and doctoral student, Victoria has learned the art of balancing family and accomplishing God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Victoria holds an MA in Child Psychology and is the author of two books- The Victory Walk: A 21-Day Devotional on Living a Victorious Life and Warrior Mother: Equipping Your Heart to Fight for Your Family’s Faith. When she is not writing, you can find her serving in her local church as the pastor’s wife, worship leader, and youth pastor. Ultimately, she desires to empower women to live a life of victory, hope, and love. You can connect with Victoria at www.victoryspeaks.org and on social media at Victory Speaks by Victoria Riollano on Facebook and @myvictoryspeaks on Instagram.
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