Suffering of the Sparrow

One of the strongest points that hit me in class was that “to suffer” something means it has been “allowed” to happen. “Suffering” = “allowing.” In class we learned that it was Paul in Colossians that first received the revelation that suffering was not simply a punishment for personal wrongs, but could also be specific training from the Lord.

**Reason 1—personal consequence: In D&C 103: 5-6 the Lord teaches an important “if/then” principle of hearkening and prevailing. Triumph comes from obedience; therefore, if I act according to God’s commands (both what he says and when) then I will be blessed and avoid unnecessary pain. Stupid people make stupid decisions and must learn lessons the hard way. (ie: a child touching a hot stove)

**Reason 2—training ground: the Lord must teach lessons which sometimes push us out of our comfort zones. As mortals, we tend to stick with what is most comfortable. God has the entire plan and knows specific lessons that need to be learned in specific ways that will most benefit us. He is molding and shaping us for His purposes.

In Matthew 10: 29-31 it reads: “29. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

To me, this is more of a confirmation that the Lord knows and loves each of us individually. If God has power over all, then anything that happens (our fault or His training) has to be “approved” in a way. The lecture in class brought a new perspective that it doesn’t say why the sparrow fell. My absurd list of possibilities could include: being hit by lightning; self-imposed starvation; drought-imposed starvation; diving out of the way of predators; tired feet; saving another sparrow; etc. Regardless of the reason, God knew of it happening and noticed.

I think we connect with the suffering sparrow the most because the Bible points out that it fell. In other words, the sparrow suffered. A trial came along and pushed him off of the branch. This scripture wouldn’t be half as comforting if it had said that “the sparrow lived out his days eating the fattest worms and whistled a happy tune while God noticed.” Instead, we find comfort knowing that God is aware of our pitfalls—whether these be self-imposed or for training.

Sometimes I connect a lot with that sparrow.

I am thankful for “sparrow moments” because they keep humility in my life. Seeing God’s hand in my life, both in the trial and resolution, strengthens my testimony and faith.

As Dr. Holzapfel stated, the Lord is not done with me yet.