When each of my babies were around 4 weeks old they lost a good portion of their hair. This was a particularly sad occurrence with my first two girls who had beautiful dark hair at birth. I remember with my first, I cried. Silly maybe, but it mattered to me. Of course the hair grew back, and now our family is marked by borderline extreme amounts of hair! ….five curly headed girls, a mop-top boy, and a dad with huge beard.
In Matthew 10, Jesus gives His disciples instructions about going out and announcing the kingdom of heaven. But His instructions hold unsettling details about what the disciples inevitably must face. He says, “Look I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” Jesus informs them that they will suffer and be hated, as they proclaim His name.
But it’s within this passage that Jesus also says, “Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Jesus doesn’t say that they don’t need to be afraid because He will shelter them from the suffering, from the evil, from the brokenness of the world. No, He tells them they don’t need to be afraid because He is well aware…and in control. Not a single tiny sparrow falls to the ground without our God giving permission. Not a single hair is lost from a baby’s head, without our Father allowing it. We have a Savior, a God who is not oblivious. He is not distant or disengaged. He walks with us as we walk through this life, and not a single moment slips through His fingers or is out of His control.
I was comforted by this truth 16 years ago when my baby began to look like a very tiny, very cute balding old man. Jesus’ words from Matthew 10 were actually shared at my baby shower, at the exact time those dark little hairs began to fall out. I remember smiling to myself, realizing that my God intentionally provided that little reminder for me. He was aware of my fear, my emotions then, and He’s still aware now.
We live in a potentially overwhelming world, where fear threatens to creep in from all sides. And we will undoubtedly face hard things. But from the small details to the life changing trials, He continues to be aware and meet us in those places. He sees. He cares. And He’s in control.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah, 41:10
Blessings,
