Sparrows, Surprises and the Sovereignty of God

Five baby sparrows in a three bedroom home!

There are “Welcome” signs in the form of birdhouses all around the yard. Some have vacancies others are occupied. None however, are located under our back porch. So, knowing there was housing available, I was a little surprised to find the beginnings of a bird nest tucked into a potting soil bag that was resting in our wheelbarrow. Mrs. Sparrow and I both did a bit of a squawk and a flutter upon our mutual discovery. I assured her she was welcome to stay; I could wait until she raised her brood before I scooped from “her” bag. I promised not to harm her family in any way. Indeed, I thought it was a brilliant location and was quite honored she allowed us to watch her little family grow.  

Equally brilliant Mr. Sparrow allowed his Mrs. to have complete control in the building and construction phase. It was a dandy little nest, just right for three little babies. The finely appointed cradle was finished just in time for the placement of three adorable light blue eggs. Then, surprise! When we came by for our inspection the next day, two more eggs had appeared! 

Multiple inspections later, some tiny “peeps” let us know some babies had hatched. With a gentle lift of their bag door, three naked babies were visible, so I made the proper introductions. Like any good neighbor, I checked in frequently and was pleased to see the remaining two safely hatched the next day.

In a bungalow built for three, I worried about the crowded situation. Naturally, the firstlings were stronger and stepped up higher in the nest over Babies Four and Five but it wasn’t the first rodeo for Mom and Pop. They organized a feeding plan of about one bug per minute alternating between Mom and Pop for all five hungry little mouths, uhm, beaks. That’s a lot of creepy crawlies!

After a steady diet from the critter smorgasbord for several days the tiny peeps turned into demanding screams. Precious little baby fuzz sprouted into baby feathers. My (well, Mrs. Sparrow’s) babies were growing up!

We didn’t have it marked on OUR calendar, but “Leave the Nest Day” came and we got to watch! This little guy started the exodus. He shot out but, didn’t know where to go, so he lit on this screen window until he could assess the situation. Mom and Pop called for him to come out into the yard, so he opened up his brand new wings and flew to them. That brought out Two and Three. They only made it up to the eave of the porch. They looked around for several minutes to get their bearings and finally heard their call from Mom and Pop and joined them (and One and Two.)

Babies Four and Five were desperate to not be left alone and came out of their comfy apartment but were unable to fly as well as their older siblings. Southern hospitality requires that I do what I can to help, so I did what I could to usher the clumsy siblings into the general direction of their family.

Bless their itty bitty hearts, they were perfectly fine in their nice little home (complete with room service) until someone got the bright idea to go explore the world and left them behind to fend for themselves. Not only that, a giant was following them and making all sorts of funny faces and motions to them, and Mom and Pop were nowhere to be found. They hopped around and stopped from time to time to “cheep” but there was no reply. They couldn’t see what I saw. Mom and Pop were taking care of One, Two, and Three. They were not far away, they just didn’t answer right away.

With some encouragement, I was able to guide Four to the rest of the gang. Little Five, the baby, was heartbroken. He didn’t even have the heart to try. He wouldn’t hop or chirp. He just sat all alone, his head down in despair. He appeared to accept his fate of life alone and abandoned and probably eaten or squished (Southern for crushed) by this giant woman. I told him his “family is only a few yards away and a new and wonderful life is ahead of him – different from life in the nest, but wonderful just the same. Just hold on” but, he couldn’t understand.

It was only a couple of minutes, but finally Mom chirped his name and his little downcast head

popped up. I got behind him and prompted him to hop a half-hearted hop toward his family. Another chirp from Mom led him to take another baby hop in the right direction. Finally, Mommy Sparrow came out from under a bush and chirped loud and clear, and Baby Five saw her. He ran with all the strength his little baby-bird legs could muster straight to her and they disappeared under the bush amid lots of congratulatory chirps, peeps and flutters.

I thought about what I had just witnessed in terms of God and life and His plans for us. Life has certainly thrown me some surprises, maybe you have experienced that too. When life takes a turn that sseems unfair or I don’t understand much less know what to do, these are some thing I try to remember.

• I remember that He knew me before I was born and knows the number of days I will be here. “Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance and in Thy book, they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” Psalm 139:16
• I remember (whatever it is) it is not a surprise to God. “Oh, LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.” Isaiah 25:1 “…He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..” Ephesians 1:4
• I remember God is there whether or not I can see or hear Him, and I need not be afraid. “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 “…The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him…The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him. Psalm 33:18, 34:7
• I remember I can trust Him even when things don’t seem fair. “Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:19
• I remember He has a plan that is for my good. “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:11 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
• I remember I can count on God to lead me in the right direction.  “For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. You will pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth…I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness, Because You have seen my affliction; You have known the troubles of my soul, And You have not given me over into the hand of the enemy.” Psalm 31:3-8

Dear Father in Heaven,

Thank You for demonstrating over and over how much You love us.

When life surprises us with changes and difficulties for which we see no way out, help us see You and trust in Your mighty hand to guide us. Thank You for being our “refuge and strength a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) I rejoice in Your provision for me even when I can’t see it.

I pray the person reading this at this moment will also seek You and find You and rest securely in Your loving hand.

   

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One Wing Out and Ready to Fly, a Ladybug Lesson

Ladybug lesson

Not a “humbug”, just a little beetle. This cute little fella’ caught my attention while he and I were walking along our garden path. I watched him for a block or two (pathway blocks, that is). I noticed he had one wing out, so I thought he was about to take flight. But, he just kept walking, plodding along the path, one wing up.

Then he found this long tendril of monkey grass that reached down to his path and took him to new heights. It served as a bridge to him to explore another area of the garden. He took the bridge and disappeared into the jungle of monkey grass and mint that surrounds our little pond. A new adventure I’m sure, for a brave little beetle.

As a Christian, if I had wings, I would have one in the air too, ready to take flight to the place where there will be no more pain, tears, suffering…and we will be with Him. Streets of gold, pearly gates, the tree of life all call to me and I eagerly await being there. I understand the weight of carrying hurt, pain, and suffering. We all feel it to some extent, and some seem to be asked to carry more than their share. It can leave us all ready to fly away from it all.

Pain not only hurts, it adds insult to injury by telling us lies like “You are all alone. No one cares or has experienced or understands the pain you have…” Special days and holidays bully in to multiply our suffering even more. They hold before us things and people in the past that we mourn, while it seems everyone else has their cup filled with joy. We see our limitations and compare to others going full steam like that pink drummer-bunny. We remember hopes and dreams that never came to be…chronic pain and suffering that seem to have no end in sight…all mount up like bricks one on top of another on top of us making us ready to just leave it all behind – if we could just fly away.  The temptation is real, but what blessings we would miss if we were exempt from pain.

You may have far more experience with pain and suffering than do I, but here are a couple of blessings I have experienced.

#1 He draws me nearer to Himself. When I have no answers, no relief, no hope…the only place to go is on my knees to Him. It is really a good place to be. He wraps me in His arms with love like no other. He holds me close and gives me strength and peace that only He has. It has absolutely been the most traumatic and painful times in my life that have grown me closer to Him. He WILL walk you through it too. He is faithful like that.

#2 He uses us to show others how to go through pain. While Christians have access to this unending reservoir of life-giving hope, non-believers do not. They need to see and hear and have a living example of how to do it, how to live in a difficult circumstance. And how to live with hope and love and joy even in the midst of suffering. Many have been shown the way by someone living it out, someone just like you.

Is it easy? N.O. 

Paul felt the weight of being stoned, beaten, jailed, persecuted…and like any of us, he longed for it to end. “If I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose.  But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. And convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith.” Philippians 1:21-25 He chose the will of God over his comfort and desires.

Jesus was the perfect example of enduring. He knew of the brutal treatment and death He was about to face. So, He prayed. He (like all humans) knew the agony of pain and He prayed “if it is possible, let this cup (of suffering) pass from Me…”  But, that is not how His prayer ended. “…yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”  God’s plan was more important to Jesus, than His temporary suffering.

It helps us too, to have an eternal perspective. This too shall pass, eternity doesn’t.  When we focus on our future, our eternity, it makes the burdens of today easier to carry. Christians will be forever in the presence of the Creator, and in heaven so glorious there is no comparison to the experience we have here on earth!

Paul and Jesus left examples for us today. They both continued on the path God set before them, even though it involved intense personal suffering.  It’s our turn to be examples now. There are many others going through times of hurt and need to see Him and His hand at work. Could it be that YOU could be used like Paul to reach others who need to see faith being lived out? Could YOU walk alongside someone who needs a word of encouragement? Not as a pity partner, but as an encourager. When they see that you can walk through it, so can they - when you both rely on God.

Yep, I’m ready to go into eternity! BUT, I’m still here in the temporary…So, what do I do until then? If we take an example from this little bug -

#1 Raise your hand (or wing)

to reach out to Him,

to remind yourself this is temporary, and it WILL pass

to reach out to help someone else. 

#2 Be prepared to leave or stay. Know your God and be willing to go and do whatever He asks, whether His purpose is for you is to go or stay. HINT-you are reading this, so this means YOU are staying for now.

#3 Plod with purpose. Put one foot in front of the other. Keep doing what He has for you to do. You will step into eternity in His timing. Meanwhile, find someone to encourage who needs to see the hand of God at work.

Father in heaven

We are so very thankful that You loved us so much that even though You could have abandoned us and the pain, You were willing to stay and endure suffering and grief beyond anything we can imagine, for our sake.

We find ourselves in a world of suffering and look to You for help. Help us to remember to live as You did, seeking to show others the way. Help us to see even more ways to show You to this dark and lonely world.

I pray You will strengthen the person reading this now, with Your strong and mighty arm. I pray You give them peace and courage and direction for the life of purpose You designed for them. Thank You for showing us encouragement even in the tiniest of things around us, and help us to be an encouragement while we are here.

                                           

My wing is up and I am looking to You, ready to go or stay according to Your plan and desire for me. Thank You for being with me and guiding my path.

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Want to be a pansy with me?

Smiling pansy.

If you know anything at all about me you know that I have a thing for bloomers.  This one is so inspiring it makes me want to be one too! Just look at its happy little smile on fancy yellow cheeks! Makes me want to smile right back at it! (Go ahead, you know you want to.) There, now wasn’t that fun?

Pansies are like that; they smile right in the middle of winter when everyone else is locked up tight refusing to show their bloomers. If I could give you a 360 degree view of this lone bloomer, it is hanging from a tree (near the kitchen window) that has dropped all its leaves, over a bed of grass that is grumbling about the temperature and packing its leaves to go underground for a few months, and alongside some Mexican petunias that shriveled at the first breeze of frost. Above, below and all around this little basket are the faint of heart that gave up when winter stepped foot into the yard.

While many think of pansies as weaklings and use their name as an insult, I beg to differ. If I were to be given a flower name “Rose” or “Violet” would be lovely. They have pretty blossoms and delightful fragrances. But, I think I might just choose to be “Pansy.” The kind of pansy like this little guy, blooming for all its worth right in the middle of winter when everyone else has given up.

It can’t be easy. All the others withered away for a reason. Winter is hard. It takes great courage and strength to grow, much less bloom under such circumstances.

What does God expect from us in hard times? First Thessalonians 5:11 – 26 was written to a group that was “mistreated”, “suffering affliction,” “much tribulation”, and “amid much opposition.”  They were told;

• Encourage one another.
• Build up one another.
• Live in peace with one another.
• See that no one repay with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men.
•  Rejoice always
•  In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
•  Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Does it seem to you that this little smiling face could be greeting us “with a holy kiss”? A smile from God, winter is here – rejoice. It is hard –rejoice. God is at work – give thanks.  Could it be that He is reminding us through a dainty (but strong) flower that we are an encouragement to others when we give thanks, rejoice and smile?

Look closely at the basket again. Do you see it? There is a viola and another pansy trying to bloom right next to him! AND, a sunflower coming up too! When we give praise, rejoice and stand strong, it give others the courage and strength to do the same!

   Courage is contagious.

    Praise is contagious.

   Smiles are contagious.

Which are you willing to share today? Come on, be a pansy with me!  

Father in heaven,

We see reminders of Your love for us in all creation. Thank You for loving us before we even came to know You. Thank You for encouraging and sustaining us through hard times. Give us strength and courage to rejoice and give You thanks through it all. Let us be a smiling beacon of Your love to someone who needs it today.

As always, I encourage you to leave comments below. Your words are not only an encouragement to me but to all who read them!

Blessings!

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 Oscar the Extraordinary Hummingbird

and Other Tales From Life In My Father's World

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The Lizard Who Didn't Want to Go, and Contending Earnestly for the Faith.

The baby lizard considering freedom.

I don’t know how he came in. He might have been exploring a tiny little crack-tunnel somewhere and explored until he found himself inside. He might have come through the doggie door. He might even have ridden in on my shoulder or sneaked in when we opened the door. His little lizard lips were sealed.

He was sunning on the window when I spotted him. I promptly advised him baby lizards belong OUTSIDE. His little lizard ears were equally sealed.

Whether he wanted to go or not, I knew the best place for him was outside.  My hands were no match for the squirmy reptile, and he promptly jumped to freedom, he thought. I could have chalked it up to teenage rebellion, and just let him figure it out for himself, but knew the outcome, so back in the ring

I went.  This battle was NOT over yet.

It wasn’t a real fight, more of a mutual understanding. I agreed not to hold him, and he agreed to go along for the ride on the chair. Once outside, he reconsidered his original decision and agreed that outside was indeed the best place for a handsome young lizard. What he thought was an adventure of freedom would have been his tomb. Hallelujah! He saw the light!

I have known people like that, maybe you have too. They are headed down a path of adventure and fun that lands them in a place that seems to them like sheer bliss.  The problem with them is the same as that of the lizard. It is actually a prison in which they will eventually die.

Often they don’t realize that truth because they are so enchanted by whatever desire brought them there, that it is very difficult for them to see it on their own. That is where we come in. The book of Jude calls it contending “earnestly for the faith.” The word “contend” (epagonizomai in the Greek) has to do with being a combatant.  (Literally, epi – intensive + agon – contest = intensive contest.) “Fight the good fight” was the instruction Paul gave to Timothy. Both suggest we may have to spend a little time and energy to help people see the truth.

I could have easily just turned my back, left the baby lizard in the sunroom and rationalized “he didn’t want to be picked up” and “let him figure it out.” Instead, with a little effort the little guy understood a better way, ended up in a better place, and avoided a death sentence.

There was a little contention but I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a contender. If we go out of our way to help a lizard, couldn’t we extend a little more effort, contend a little more earnestly for a person? Don’t wake up to the regret that you “could have been a contender!”

Things to consider when contending for the faith –

• There are many who believe errors. You have probably heard some of them “there is no God” or, “being good will be enough to escape any punishment” or, “everyone who dies goes to heaven” or, “there is no life after this”…on and on.  Many are misled.  Believing it (no matter how earnestly) doesn’t make it true.

• The only way to know the truth is to study it - the Word of God – the Bible.  We must know the truth before we can accurately share the truth. Study His Word – in its entirety, the whole counsel of God. (Many errors are dispelled when you let Scripture interpret Scripture.)

• We are required (not suggested) to share that truth. Matthew 28:19,20 lists going, baptizing, and teaching as three parts of the requirement.

• When we encounter one who is lost he may not want to listen to the truth. He might even jump away and plead to be left alone. Don’t give up.

• Instead, spend a little effort to try to find some common ground to help them see the truth. Contend earnestly with them with all love and gentleness. They may just see the light for the first time! What a privilege to lead one out of certain death to life eternal!

Dearest Heavenly Father, how precious it is that You love us so much and have given us all we need to have eternal life. How we thank You for giving us our very lives.

Help us be diligent to reach out to share this good news with a world that so desperately needs to hear the truth. Prompt us when we need to contend even more earnestly. Thank You for giving us the wisdom, insight and understanding from Your Holy Spirit to know when and how to best relate this life giving truth.

How about YOU? Did someone contend with you? Are you thankful?

Have you contended for the faith? How did it work out? Was it worth it? I look forward to hearing your story!

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Introducing Oscar The Extraordinary Hummingbird

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This little book is a collection of stories which includes the chronicle of a tiny hummingbird and the unlikely friendship he and I shared. Through the time we spent together, God used Oscar to teach me many things about

life,

suffering, and

joy in the midst of it all.

I remain amazed that He chose this itty bitty bird and so many precious, yet seemingly insignificant, things within His Creation to demonstrate such profound spiritual truths to me, and I am delighted to share these simple stories with you.

May you always take time to see God

 in the little things.

They may become your

biggest treasures!

All the tales within this book are true. The simple parable-type lessons offered here about life in my Father’s world have touched my soul, and I pray that your heart will likewise be enriched by reading them. Inside you will become acquainted with Oscar, the sweetest little hummingbird you ever could meet, along with some fishy characters, and you will stroll with me through the beauty and splendor of the garden. Together we will explore patterns and truths found in Creation which point us to a deeper understanding of our Creator. 

Chapter 1 - A Tiny Treasure

When I first spotted the mysterious wad, immediately I had grand hopes of discovering some sort of little treasure. I am familiar with the ending of the curious cat but was compelled to investigate nonetheless. By the size and shape it could have been an owl pellet! Because owls have no teeth with which to chew their meals, they swallow them whole. They also–uhm–“release” the undigested portion whole, in a pellet form, just about the size of this suspicious little gem. I drew closer to the twisted glob and realized it wasn’t what I hoped for at all.  

Oh, no! I thought. Horrified, I instantly reached down to him. We have hosted many hummingbirds throughout the spring and summer, and this appeared to be one that met an untimely demise. His little body was twisted in an unnatural position. His poor, tiny head had been stripped of all feathers on top and on one side, revealing only raw, purple and blue skin. There appeared to be fishing line tangled all around his mouth. His condition suggested he might have been run over by a lawn mower. I gingerly lifted up the bruised and limp little bird and cradled him in the palm of my hand, amazed at the beauty of the tiny creature and sorry for the suffering he must have endured. 

Against all hope, I became aware of a faint, rapid thumping of a little heartbeat against my hand. Thankful for the opportunity to comfort him in his final moments of life, I ever so gently stroked his broken little body and brought him close to my face while whispering, God knows when a sparrow falls[i], and He knows all about little hummingbirds, too. Realistically, it was more a prayer to comfort me than an expectation that he actually understood what I had said to him. Fighting back tears, I blew softly into his face to let him know he was not alone.  He blinked his eye - the one that wasn’t swollen shut. Yes, he heard me, and he knew I was there with him and perhaps he understood that God was as well. 

I don’t know how much animals understand. I do know my responsibility, according to the Word of God in the book of Genesis, is to “rule[ii] over (or have dominion over) the creatures of the earth.” Surely this would include taking care of one who has fallen. God spared him long enough for me to comfort him a bit, and for that, I was grateful. I just absolutely love the way God works and have found that His timing is perfect, always.

Continuing to bathe him with my warm breath, I slowly and as tenderly as possible, began to untangle him from the fishing line in and around his mouth. My desire was to give him as much comfort as possible. He blinked again and tried to lift his poor, bruised, and bald little head.  

As the untangling progressed, it became apparent that the “line” was his tongue! Poor little fellow! Bless his sweet little heart! He must have wondered, Why is this woman pulling on my tongue?  He was having a bad enough day already without me tugging on his tongue, of all things.  I chuckled at the absurdity and apologized, Sorry about that, little guy!

Gradually, he regained consciousness and his tongue retracted into its proper place. He looked at me, with his one good eye - not with fear but rather with curiosity.  I continued to examine him for injuries and found that one wing was not in the correct position, and a tiny spot of blood was on the front of his neck. So, still holding him in one hand, I took a paper towel with the other hand and dampened one corner, folding it over to make a swab to lightly sponge his wounds. I stroked and tucked the tiny wing back into the proper position. 

By now, he was more conscious than not but still too weak to resist my “mothering.” He didn’t have the strength to fly, but he did seem content to rest in the warmth of my hand. 

Because most acquaintances begin with an exchange of names, I, not knowing his hummingbird name, decided to call him Oscar.  You know, the Grouch.  Both are green, a mess, and more than a little grumpy.  It seemed to fit.

Because of the severity of his injuries, I feared he would perish before I could document this precious moment so, while he was still alive I took a few pictures of Oscar in my hand. I marveled at the opportunity to hold such a small, magnificent creature. I continued to assure him of my intention to help him to the very best of my ability. He was truly a pitiful sight - tiny, helpless, bruised, and bald - but alive!

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[i] Matthew 10:29

[ii] Genesis 1:26, Psalm 8:6-8 

Chickadee Challenge

Chickadee babies.

The famous chickadees (see blog posts Chickadee Choices and Chickadee Conflict) who have been living in our yard (or their yard depending on your perspective) have been challenged. You may remember the sparrows from earlier in the year that tried to take advantage of the chickadee’s nest building. The intruding sparrows thought they could move into a furnished luxury apartment, until my husband stepped in and made the door chickadee-sized. The sparrows could no longer gain entrance and finally the chickadees were able to finish their home and start their family.

This week, just as the babies were coming out of their shells the sparrows returned. Even though they knew they could not enter and use the nest themselves, they were determined to wreak havoc on the chickadee family. They did.

They travel in a herd, or maybe a flock. Their stampede certainly seemed like a raging herd of bulls. Through sheer intimidation, numbers, and persistence they bullied the chickadees until out of fear, the chickadees fled. With the naked little ones unprotected, the sparrows were able to grab one and pull it out of its home. When I heard the commotion I went out to help and found the babe sprawled out on the ground. Because he was still moving I carefully placed the tiny fuzzy-headed body back in the nest with his brother and scolded the sparrows. They almost seemed to laugh at me as they flew off.

We checked on the status of the siblings throughout the rest of the day and saw no sign of Mr. and Mrs. C. The next day, still no parents had come back to rescue their children. They were now beyond hope. Gone. Lifeless and alone in a box that was so full of hope.

The chickadees were given a great opportunity. They had a wonderful nesting box. They had the perfect size entrance hole so no intruders could trespass.  They even had our pond for bathing, and lots of worms for snacks. The one thing they didn’t have was courage to stand.  All they had to do was to stand firm in the knowledge of the security of the box, yet their fear got the best of them. They gave up when it got hard, and their fear cost them the lives of their chicks.

I must confess I am tempted to give up at times. I KNOW without a doubt that God has a plan, yet wonder sometimes how He could possibly work out certain circumstances that seem so impossible. I KNOW that His love is greater than any other and yet I still wonder if He really could love me.  I KNOW He created me for a purpose, and still wonder if He can use me flaws and all. Fears and doubt, all of them. Weaknesses that plague many of us, maybe even you.

The GREAT NEWS is, He knows and has given us exactly what we need to get through it.

• Christians have Him living within us and have assurance that He will never leave or forsake us! Matt 28:20 http://blb.sc/1QE5 We can stand firm with Him alongside us!

• Stand firm in Who He is - Creator of the universe. Almighty God. Limitless in ability. He can never be overwhelmed by any situation. Job 11;7-10 http://blb.sc/EXDs

• Stand firm in His Word. It is unchanging. It will never fail. It will build you up in greater knowledge of Him which makes you stronger. The life built on it, will not fall. Matt 7:24-27 http://blb.sc/EqZ1

• Stand firm against the enemy. Our adversary roams about looking for weakness and pounces at just the right time. Like the chickadees and sparrows, our enemy strikes us in our weak points. Many times that is fear. So many, many times we are told “Do not be afraid.” Heb 13:6 http://blb.sc/4WBp It is a common weakness among us and the chickadees, but we serve the God of Peace. 2 Thess 3:16 http://blb.sc/4UAx

• Stand firm in His promises. If He has given you a mission (He has) He will provide a way for you to accomplish it, no matter the odds, or circumstance, or situation. He WILL close the mouths of the lions. He WILL provide an ark in the flood. He WILL be with you in the furnace and loose your ropes and bring you through without even the smell of smoke on your clothes. Be strong and courageous when He directs your path. Joshua 1:6-9 http://blb.sc/EJYX

• Stand with other Christians. It may feel like you are outnumbered, but working together with other like-minded believers helps. Phil 1:27-28 http://blb.sc/4T3r 

• Stand firm when it seems like the enemy is winning. You may be injured by the enemy, but Satan loses the war. 2 Thess 1:6-10 http://blb.sc/F2Vc

• Don’t give up! You may be outnumbered, but they are just sparrows and they do not have access to your home.  Be STRONG! 1 Cor 16:13 http://blb.sc/4Qsb

Father, we seem to have enemies all around us and yet with You within us we KNOW we are safe. Thank You for Your true and steady Word to strengthen and direct us. Help us to be an encouragement to others who are at a weak point, so they will remain strong in Your strength. Help us to look to You when fear besets us so that we will be faithful to do what You would have us to do. Thank You for defeating our adversary.

Have you experienced fear and the hand of God that overcame it? Share your story in the comment section to encourage someone. Let's create some happy endings!

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