Day Ten: Prayer
Written by: Wil Davis
Scripture: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father’s care.” (The words of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 10: NIV)
It was one of those seasons of life—crazy busy at home, work was incredibly challenging, and it was wearing on me. In my stress, I prayed frequently and fervently! These were the kind of desperate prayers where I talked a lot, but heard very little! As the season became longer and the difficulties and their consequences continued to crash all around me, I began to suffer doubt about my prayers, about my decisions, about my relationship with God.
I have heard it said there are three common lies we begin to believe about God when we are tested:
1) He doesn’t know,
2) He is unable to help, or
3) He doesn’t care.
I never wavered on the first two. My God is omniscient—all-seeing and all knowing. I definitely believed He knew and was aware of my situation. My God is omnipotent—all powerful and able to do whatever He chooses. I could not exist in this amazing creation and believe otherwise. But, in the midst of my pain, the third lie was appealing—He must not care if He both knows and is able to meet my needs.
On my way to work one morning, I decided to dash through a drive-through window at a fast-food restaurant to grab a soda. (I prefer my caffeine cold!) Predictably, there was a substantial line of cars waiting to place orders. Just as I got ready to pull forward to place my order, two small sparrows fluttered across the hood of my car to sit in the bush next to the drive-through lane’s speaker, apparently watching me as I placed my order. Instantly, the words of Jesus from Matthew came to mind, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside of your Father’s care.” Finally, I had an answer to my doubts, and I knew everything was completely under His control!
For me, this was conclusive and specific evidence of our faithful, infinitely loving Father, and a refreshed sense of peace flowed through me. My circumstances had not changed, but the God of the universe had sent me a personal, unmistakable sign of His personal love and care. As the lyrics to the old song say, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
In this season of Lent, may our prayers be more intentional, may our faith lead us all the way to Easter where the all-seeing, all powerful, and all loving God demonstrates His power with His decisive victory over the worst that life, and death, could throw at anyone!
Be encouraged—He is watching over you!
Write this Way: In your notebook, write down which of the three common lies is most tempting for you to believe as you pray? How has God reminded you of his presence and concern for you in the past? Keep your spirit open to His encouragement in your life in big and small ways.
About the Author:
Wil Davis is a long-timer member of Commonway Church. He has lived in Muncie for most of his working career and is married to his high-school sweetheart. Together, they have three married children and seven grandchildren.
