If A Sparrow Falls
Bill E. Smith
9/24/97
If A Sparrow Falls
More than 200 years ago, Benjamin Franklin stood before the Constitutional Convention and said,
I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live the more convincing proof I see of this truth: that God governs the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall without His notice, is it possible that an empire can rise without His aid?
Franklin was referring to a statement made by Jesus.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10.29-31 NIV
I believe in the providence of God! The longer I live, the more I am convinced that God still rules in the affairs of men, to accomplish His purposes. The Scriptures abound with examples of this, and our lives testify to the same if we will examine them. God did not just wind up this universe and walk away. The winds and the waves obeyed the voice of Jesus, and they still do. God created a home for His offsprings and He is still serving as Head of His household. We can have faith in our Father’s care.
Can you imagine going into your children’s bedroom to bid them good night and one of them saying:
Daddy, will a ghost get me tonight?
Will I freeze during the night?
Will we have food for breakfast when I awaken?
Will I have clothing to wear to school tomorrow?
I can’t imagine that! Had my children ever approached me with those fears, I would have taken them to a psychologist! It was their job to wear out things; and my job was to replace them. It was my job to have food ready when they got hungry, and they knew it. They were not always satisfied with my selection, but they never doubted my commitment. As far as I know, my children never laid awake at night worrying about whether I would take care of them the next day. They could sleep without fear, because Daddy was near.
Why can’t we have that kind of a relation with our Father? He has promised,
Behold, I am with you always. He has assured us
, All things work together for good for them that love the Lord. He said,
Ask and it shall be given you. Why should I lay awake in fear... It is my Father’s job to look after my needs! He cares for the sparrow, and He cares much more for me!
—Bill E. Smith
