. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows’” (Matthew 10:19-31 KJV). Jesus knew that after his death, resurrection, and ascension, his followers would suffer persecution, imprisonment, and many would be killed. Jesus told them to fear not. Take a lesson from the sparrows.

First – SEE THE SPARROWS. Though they are but common and ordinary and two were sold for a farthing, just a copper penny, Jesus said that God feeds them. God takes note when even one sparrow falls to the ground. In fact Jesus assures us that not one sparrow falls to the ground except by the Father’s will. (Matthew 10:20) If God is so awesome that He notes and cares about even the sparrows, how much more valuable to Him are His children who are created in His image? Jesus said that even the hairs of our heads are numbered. You matter to God.

Throughout the Word of God we see how God chose the common and ordinary to do extra-ordinary things. Jesus was drawn to the most common and ordinary. God looks on the heart – not the physical pedigree. The Apostle Paul tells us why, “that no one should boast in man” (I Corinthians 3:18-23). See the sparrows and know you are valued by God.

Second – SIT TIGHT. Jesus tells us over and over to fear not. Consider the ravens, “for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn, and God feeds them. Of how much value are you than the birds?” (Luke 12:22-26). Corrie ten Boom used to say, “When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through.” When we are fearful or disappointed, we must not panic. Don’t jump out. We must be patient and believe that God who loves us is in control.

Third – SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD. Satan wants to silence us from speaking the Word of faith. (Romans 10:5-10) In the same passage about sparrows Jesus said, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light and whatever you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear” (Matthew 10:27). If a sparrow cannot fall without God’s will and care, then you can trust your heavenly Father to take care of you. Boldly speak the Word of faith that God gives you. The Shunammite woman, whose son died, did so even though things looked bleak. “It is well,” she said. God used the prophet Elisha to raise her son to life again. (II Kings 4:8-37)

Fourth – SING HIS PRAISES. The birds don’t worry about tomorrow. They trust God to feed them and sing His praises. (Matthew 6:26) As we sing unto the Lord, joy and faith fills our hearts. (Ephesians 5:17-20; Psalm 105:1-3) Paul and Silas sang in a prison cell at midnight and God brought release. (Acts 16) If the birds sing, how much more should the children of the King sing His praises.

Do you have the joy of eternal life in heaven? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).