The Sparrow’s Blessing

Just as God watches over the sparrows and knows when one falls, He watches over us with even greater care. When danger comes, He often works through the community of believers and strangers to protect and rescue us. I hope you enjoy the following story.

Mother and Father Sparrow were working so hard on their new home. Each day they would fly away to get new materials to build their nest. It took them quite a while, but it had to be just so. New babies were coming. They wanted a safe and protected place.

Father Sparrow had been checking out Ted’s cove. There were a lot of trees, but they noticed there was a nice little house sitting atop a wooden pole.

“It looks very private,” said Mother Sparrow.

“I like the fact that it’s up on that pole,” replied Father. “God has provided us with such a perfect spot.”

Father sparrow would come every day just to be sure no one else had taken this new space. He would perch nearby and sing praises of thanksgiving for this blessing.

Before you knew it, Mother Sparrow was sitting atop a beautiful nest with four little eggs. Father Sparrow would perch outside the opening and bring her food. Then he would fly away to find more. Life was as it should be.

“Cheep, Cheep,” cried the babies.

Mother Sparrow could count four little hatchlings. Totally helpless and naked. They knew their parents would care for them. And they did. Mother stayed close and Father would fly to get worms for mom to build up her strength.

“Look at our beautiful family,” Mother Sparrow chirped softly. “The Lord has blessed us with these precious little ones.”

They grew quickly and began to put on feathers. Mother would begin to feed them. They weren’t quite ready to go out into the world.

Mother Sparrow could leave the nest sometimes. She would fly to look for more food. They never would go very far, trusting that the Lord was watching over their little ones.

One morning while Mother and Father were out, a stranger decided he would slither up the wooden pole. He’d been watching and waiting for a perfect time to invade the nest. He knew that Father and Mother would often leave the nest. He could sense the perfect time.

Mr. Snake thought he could just curl up on top of the babies and make them feel secure. What he didn’t know was how friends of the Sparrows would all pitch in.

The other birds in Ted’s cove knew something was up. Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow had come home and realized something was not right. They would fly to the hole but not go in. They were chirping as loud as they could. They’d fly close but not go in.

“Help us, Lord!” cried Mother Sparrow. “Protect our babies!”

Soon, their friends from the cove showed up. First, there was Mr. Red bird. He began to chirp very loud. Next, Ms. Bluebird flew down and started hopping around. Mr. Robin joined them. It was quite a sight. Ted’s cove had not seen this much fuss in a long time.

Ted was nearby and realized something bad was going on. He called his wife and asked if she knew what was happening.

“I bet there is a snake in there. I don’t hear the babies chirping. We’ve got to find out,” Ann replied.

So, they got a hoe and opened the door to the birdhouse! They were right! Coiled up on the nest was a grey snake.

“I hope he hasn’t eaten them,” Ted cried.

“Pull that nest on the ground right now and let’s get him out of there,” replied Ann.

So, Ted, as gently as he could, pulled the nest out with the hoe. The snake slithered off as soon as it hit the ground. Ted and Ann heard the birds chirping and carefully took pieces of the nest to place them back inside the house.

“I’m afraid the parents won’t come back since we have disturbed the nest,” said Ted.

“Let’s pray they return,” suggested Ann. “God cares for even the smallest sparrows.”

So, they waited.

The next morning, to their surprise, Mr. and Mrs. Sparrow were flying in and out of the house. Their family was back together. It wasn’t long until the babies were taking flight and going out on their own.

Mother and Father Sparrow perched on a nearby branch, watching their young ones soar.

“Our prayers were answered,” said Father Sparrow. “Even in our darkest moment, the Lord provided helpers and protection.” “Yes,” replied Mother Sparrow. “We are never alone when we trust in Him.”

“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)