Wren’s Worth

Bible Reading: Romans 8:35-39; 1 Peter 4:16-19

Wren swiped at the tears that threatened to stream down her face. She would not give them the satisfaction of seeing her cry. The government was watching; their eyes seemed to be everywhere. Wren took a deep breath and focused on the verse she had memorized. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good—Proverbs 15:3. The government had a lot of power, but Wren knew God was greater.

Three days—that was how long her father had been in custody. Wren’s father was a pastor at an underground church. For several years they had been able to meet secretly to read God’s Word, pray, and worship together. The time had been sweet, and many had come to know Jesus as their Savior and friend. When the government found out about the church, her father was taken.

Wren knew from her mother that other members of the church were being tracked down and questioned. She knew God was with them, but sometimes she didn’t understand His ways. “God, why would You allow my dad to be taken?” Wren whispered. “He loves You, and he’s told so many people of Your love and how they could have eternal life through Your Son, Jesus. I know You have a plan for everything, but this is so hard. Please, bring my father home soon and protect all the other members of our church.”

Sitting on a bench to rest, Wren smiled as a tiny sparrow hopped around her feet, hoping for a morsel. Wren crumbled one of her crackers and scattered the crumbs for the little bird. As she watched the bird eat, a Bible passage came to her mind. Wren quietly listened as God’s voice spoke to her heart: “My precious daughter, don’t be afraid of those who can kill the body. Think about the sparrows—they aren’t worth much, but I still know where each one is and whenever one falls. You are worth so much more than many sparrows. Trust me.”

-Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Did you know there are many countries where Christians are persecuted? The ability to worship God freely is a privilege. Pray for the people and churches in places where Christians are monitored, imprisoned, hurt, and sometimes even killed for their faith in Jesus. We don’t always know why God allows evil in the world, but we do know He will never leave His children. Nothing can ever separate us from Jesus and His love. When you go through hard times, trust Him to be with you and care for you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 10:29, 31 Not one [sparrow] will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care…So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God in hard times