The Red Bird’s Sermon - Word before World

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

A red bird flits to the barren branch outside the window, cocking its head toward me. For a moment, it looks right at me before promptly flying away. Memories flood my mind: my college dorm room desk, a rickety AC unit outside the fourth-story window, tears streaming down my face, a gnawing ache of hunger in my belly—and a red bird just like this one.

It’s not a pretty memory and not one I like to dwell on, but I’ve grown enough now to hold it without judgment and see it as a redeemed one.

Second semester of my freshman year in college wreaked havoc in my heart. My New Year’s resolution was simple: don’t gain the dreaded “freshman fifteen.” I’m a disciplined person, and with the help of diet books, I succeeded—except not in the way I’d planned. The scale tipped in a downward spiral as I shed pound after pound. By mid-spring, I was a frail version of myself, skin and bones, wondering how I’d dug myself into this pit so quickly. The reflection I saw in the mirror was never good enough. I desperately wanted to believe I was loved and valued, but I was unable to grasp my true identity in Christ.

I remember sitting by my window, alone in my dorm room, with my Bible open and my heart crying out for divine help. I felt so alone, and although I believed in God, I was afraid my brokenness was too deep for him to redeem. But right outside my window, a little red bird perched on the AC unit and looked directly at me.

Tears sprung to my eyes as these words of Jesus came to mind: “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:26-27).

As the Word of God ministered to my heart, I began to see that God really did care for me. Over the course of several years, with the help of wise counsel and his healing Word, God redefined my warped perspective on food and body image. Ever since that day, however, the red bird has been a testimony reminding me that God is intimately acquainted with all my ways. He does not leave me starving for grace, wondering if he will provide for my daily needs. He cares about every problem I face. Desperation is not my forever destination; I am satisfied in Christ.

It has been fifteen years since that small red bird preached his sermon to my heart, but that gospel message has never left my soul. God cared then, and he cares now.

He who clothes the flowers of the field also clothes our souls with strength, peace, and purpose. He has done it before, he is doing it now, and he will continue doing so all our days.

When the red bird flits away, the one who created the bird remains.

Word before World Desperation is not your final destination. God, who cares for the smallest of birds, cares for you and is able to redeem your brokenness.

Grow in Grace When has God given you a tangible reminder about his provision and care? Look for those reminders as you go about your day, and thank him for noticing all that happens to you—the big things and the small ones.