True Sweetness: 9 Days to Growing in the Fruit of the SpiritSample

Under His Care

"Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." I THESSALONIANS 5:24 NASB 1995

As her chickens scratched and pecked at the ground, she smiled. She knew they were happiest outside in the yard where they were free to fly and run and eat and roost—all the good habits of healthy chickens. She kept them well-watered and fed, protected by a large cage to keep out any predators. Having raised them from chicks, she watched them grow into the plump mother birds they were, each with her own peculiarities and personality. In the safety of their surroundings, the hens daily laid eggs that she enjoyed gathering and offering to family and friends for a farm-fresh breakfast.

As ordinary as the scene was, she couldn’t help but see some spiritual significance in the simplicity of farm life. Good owners take all the worry away by predicting their animals’ needs and providing accordingly so their furry or feathered friends can thrive. No fretting, complaining, or comparing required!

Jesus relays the same thought when He reminds His followers that God watches over all His creation so closely that He even notices when a single bird falls to the ground. And you are worth much more than the sparrow! (Luke 12:6-7). Unlike any other creature on earth, our heavenly Father created us to live and love and thrive on earth as His treasured children, expressing our individuality in full community with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

We are sheltered under His watchful care and can be confident that nothing comes into our lives that He doesn’t allow for our own good. Therefore we are free to enjoy the beauty of life moment by moment. No fretting, complaining, or comparing required—our Savior and Lord has seen to our every need, providing exactly what we need to live well for Him right where we are. He is faithful to take care of us so that we can live authentic lives full of unique personalities and purposes that make our Father smile with delight.

Father, You know all the days ordained for me before even one comes to be. I surrender my efforts to fix myself and my circumstances. I yield to Your care and trust You to grow me, and all You love, up into mature followers who reflect Your faithful love. In Jesus's name. Amen.