A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers

Matthew 6:26, “Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” While driving to a speaking engagement in Southern California, a pastor passed through San Juan Capistrano. The line, “When the swallows come back to Capistrano,” immediately came to his mind, and he began humming that old song. He recalled that for more than 150 years those golden-breasted birds have spent their summers in the eaves of the old mission located there. They always arrive on March 19 and leave on October 23, never missing those dates. Not once have they varied over the years. Even leap year does not change the times of their coming and going. And the swallows invariably start out before daylight on their southern flight. Now, how would you explain this unusual phenomenon? Nature’s guidance? Luck? Coincidence? The fact is, the swallows’ Creator has put within those little creatures an instinct that tells them with uncanny accuracy when to head south and when to return. Their survival depends on this innate sense of timing. What meticulous care God exercises to guide the swallow and all the fowls of the air! But consider how much greater value we are to God than these tiny birds. The One who has so marvelously provided for our feathered friends is certainly interested much more in those who are made after His own image. How can we help but sing, “For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me!” God cares for you. God is watching over you. Jesus reminds us in our Scripture lesson today that if God cares for the birds of the air, how much more will He watch over and care for us? Friend, do not be dismayed or troubled, God’s providential care for His children extends beyond any difficulty or challenge you may face today. God’s plan and care for you is far greater than the migratory habits of birds. With that revelation, place your faith and trust completely in Him. If He can innately guide birds to and from their winter feeding grounds, He will have no problem guiding you, throughout this and each new day.