Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 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

So this business about being sent out to preach the gospel can be pretty daunting, can’t it?  Perhaps you have chosen to follow where God is leading only to be met with incredible adversity, misunderstanding and pain.  

I know that I have experienced it and… I know that I am not alone.

The statistics about pastoral burnout confirm that I am not alone.  In fact, there are far more qualified and educated people than me who preach the gospel who suffer from adversity, anxiety, pain, discouragement, and failure.

One day, while still rubbing my wounds from a rough go of it, I prayed, “Hey God, It’s me Robin. You know the one you sent on this mission. I thought this was supposed to be rainbows and unicorns because I am doing your will. Clearly, you must have needed someone else for this job.”

The response that the Holy Spirit pressed into my heart was, “Do not give up in well-doing.”

Jesus clearly told the disciples that they would experience adversity, misunderstanding and pain.  

On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. Matthew 10:18 NIV

Jesus predicted that they would suffer for spreading the Good News! 

No need to panic.

Stay Calm…remember, Jesus said this would happen. 

But wait, there’s more! He also made a promise.

…At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19 NIV

Jesus promised that He would not leave them hanging. He promised to give them the words to stand firm.  They just needed to wait for the Holy Spirit to take over.

Reading a little further in Matthew 10, Jesus continued to reassure them that truth would be made known, not to be afraid to say what He wanted them to say, and as in our verse today says, that He had His eye on them.

When we hit a rough patch, what do we do?

Doubt.

Over- analyze.

Run away.

Complain.

Arm-Flap.

Become discouraged.

What would be the better thing to do?

Stay calm. 

Be Patient. 

Be Watchful.

Remember, His eye is on the sparrow, I know that He watches over you.

Mind: Listen to “Sparrow” by Audry Assad

Spirit: Meditate on the promise of God made in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Body: Take a walk outside. Be watchful for the birds. It’s hard to see them sometimes because they are so small and the expanse of sky is so large.  Be calm. Be patient. Be watchful. When you see them, speak encouragement to your soul, “His eye is on the sparrow, I know He watches over me.”

Listen to “Little Bird” by Misty Edwards. His eye is on you, Sis!