“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

If you have decided to follow Jesus there are at least two challenges that you can count on at some point in your Christian walk. The first is that not everyone will rejoice in the fact that you are a Christian. Some will simply dismiss you, while others will oppose you even to the point of severe persecution. Another challenge you can expect is that your circumstances will not always be favorable. You may face relationship turmoil, you may endure a life threatening injury or disease, you may be confronted with financial ruin, or you may face other challenges beyond your control.

Persecution and unfavorable circumstances can both challenge our faith. Satan would like to convince us that at best God doesn’t care, or at worst he isn’t even there. But Jesus told his disciples they could count on God to take care of them, despite the threat of persecution. He told them that not even an insignificant sparrow is forgotten by God and you are worth more than many sparrows. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are numbered. God will take care of you.

We don’t have to worry about our circumstances either. In Luke 12:22-26, “Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

Is your faith being challenged by opposition or uncertainty? Trust God. Let your faith grow. He cares for you. That’s His promise.