More Valuable than the Sparrows - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - March 14

More Valuable than the Sparrows
By: Victoria Riollano

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24

God, my son could use some extra clothes. 

Years ago, I can recall thinking this while getting my son ready for school. His little legs were growing at a faster speed than I could keep up with. At the time, we were a one-income family, with little to spare. The daunting idea of buying a second wardrobe in a three-month period was more than overwhelming. Nonetheless, I went about my morning to take my son off to his school bus. Quietly, I said a silent prayer for God to provide. 

As I arrived at the bus stop, a neighbor approached me with a bag. With the biggest smile, she had explained how she’d spent the night going through her son’s clothing. She found so much he couldn’t fit and instantly thought to bring it all to me. With tear-filled eyes, I accepted the bag and remembered my silent prayer. When I got home, I opened the huge garbage bag of clothes. Not only did she give me clothes that were the perfect fit, but she also gave me enough to cover his entire wardrobe the current and future season. I was even able to use some of the clothing for my other boys years later. Now that’s a blessing! 

As I think back over this time, all I can think of is that my prayer was already answered. Before I had even thought about the need, God was preparing my neighbor to fulfill it! This would be just one of the many times God would fulfill a need for my children without even asking. With every instance, He reminded me, He cares more about us and our needs than we ever could. 

I am reminded of the old song, “His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.”

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. - Matthew 29:10-21

In other words, nothing goes unseen by God. All of His creation, He watches over. All of His creation, He has an awareness of their needs. Even a bird, which some would see as invaluable, He calls them His own. Though we serve a God who’s vast enough to care about the entire world, He is intimate enough to take care of us individually.

One thing we must always remember is the God is omnipresent and omniscient. In other words, He can be all places at all times and knows all things at all times. Yes, even before we think a thought, He already knows them. Even before we say the need out loud, He is already in the background working out the details on our behalf. Our requirement is to seek His presence in all things and recognize that in an instant He could provide for us. 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:33

In my case, God was keenly aware that His children (my children) needed clothing. Because of this, He had already spoken to the heart of my neighbor that she should bless our family. She had already prepared the bags to meet me at the bus stop before I had even considered the need. In other words, before I even prayed for what I needed…

It was already done.

Today, I ask you, what is it that you are needing from the Lord? What are the desires He has placed in your heart? Are there things that you need to sustain? Beyond the physical needs, what are you believing God for? I challenge you to seek the Lord in all things and to believe that He is more than capable of doing it. 

This does not make God our personal genie. However, it does remind us that He is good and that He is our ultimate provider. Although there will be times that God brings the blessing in a different way or not in our perfect timing, He will see to it that we are always taken care of. So, whatever it is that you are believing God for today, remain patient in the wait. Know that He is already working it out, even before you ask. This is the kind of God we serve! Rather than praying in doubt, believe that God is already taken care of the matter. 

Pray in faith that it is already done.

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11:24

Victoria Riollano is an author, blogger, and speaker. As a mother of six, military spouse, Psychology professor and minister’s wife, Victoria has learned the art of balancing family and accomplishing God’s ultimate purpose for her life. Recently, Victoria released her book, The Victory Walk: A 21 Day Devotional on Living A Victorious Life. Her ultimate desire is to empower women to live a life of victory, hope, and love. She believes that with Christ we can live a life that is ALWAYS winning. You can learn more about her ministry at victoryspeaks.org.

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Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.

Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.

I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!