He Sees Every Sparrow
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The following article has been excerpted from Looking for the One by David McIver.
As I walked into Whole Foods Market in downtown Minneapolis, I prayed, “Lord, show me the one.”
As I made my way through the produce and frozen foods, I began to look. As I approached the cashiers, there was no indicator who was on God’s heart. At this particular Whole Foods, the windows overlook Washington Avenue. It’s a busy street with a view of the Minneapolis skyline. I stood for a moment watching the pedestrians and traffic bustle down the street.
Suddenly there was a “thump” against the window. I looked and saw a sparrow lying on the ground. At first, it was motionless, and then its wings fluttered ever so slightly. Then a woman standing next to me quietly said, “Oh my God.”
People around us refer to God even if they don’t know him. Sometimes it is profanity, but sometimes it is an invitation for a relationship. As I turned, I saw a woman’s face filled with compassion. Her next words surprised me. “I’m going outside to check on the bird.”
There was little doubt about who I was looking for by this time, so I followed her outside. Over the sounds of the traffic, I heard her say, “You’re okay. You’re going to make it.” She knelt down and cradled the bird. Then she gently began to stroke the head of the sparrow.
The next several minutes were surreal. To my left, traffic was bustling by, and to my right, a lady was whispering to a sparrow. Within moments, she was on the phone with a nature center and informed by a staff member that birds can be dazed for 15-20 minutes before recovering. If there is no recovery in that time frame, you have a bird that will not make it.
I use task management software that is very helpful in scheduling the priorities for each day. You can give each item deadlines and priority codes. I’ve noticed I frequently find the one who needs Jesus when I am overwhelmed. I’ve also noticed he always makes up for the “lost” time. The person is not on my “to do” list, but they are on God’s heart.
When I am tempted not to take time for people, I think about my friend Vern Anderson. For many years Vern was the CEO of Douglas Machine in Alexandria. During the early days of the Promise Keepers movement, I invited Vern to join an accountability group. Four of us met almost every Friday for over ten years, but one of the first meetings was the most memorable. Vern shared that Douglas was facing a financial shortfall and that, barring millions of dollars in orders, they would have to begin laying off employees. We prayed for 15 minutes, and then we prayed for an hour. Then we prayed until we lost track of time. All at once, everyone in the room knew we had broken through.
Vern called at noon to share that orders were coming in from around the world. We prayed again and asked Jesus to finish what He had started. More orders came in that afternoon, and there were millions of dollars in revenue by that evening. It was the largest day for orders in the company’s history.
As I spent time with Vern, I saw the pattern. Vern took time to pray and prioritized time for people.
I let go of my “to do” list as I thought of Vern. As I looked at the sparrow, I began to ask questions and listen for this sparrow watcher’s heart. Her life was filled with traveling and activity in social and political movements. As she held the sparrow, she spoke of a life of compassion.
As I listened, I prayed for her, and I prayed for the sparrow in her hands. I finally asked if I could share something Jesus said during his time on earth. She nodded her approval, and I began to read from the YouVersion app: “What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
I told her people have believed God is distant or disapproving for centuries. But when Jesus came to earth, he shared that he cares about the sparrows and cares for us. He came to seek and save us. God loved us so much that he sent his son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.
As I looked into her eyes, I said, “I don’t believe the sparrow crashing into that window was random or an accident. I think it happened so you would know the God who watches sparrows and who numbers the hairs on your head. He loves you and wants you to know him. I believe the compassion you have is a gift from him.” As I shared the Salvation Poem with her, I watched her face.
Some people hear about Jesus, and it’s like watching a flower turn toward the sun. They open up and come to life before your eyes. This woman began to open up and come to life. She started to ask questions, and then a cloud came over her face. Something stood in her way. A memory or a fear, but as quickly as she opened up, her eyes darkened. She dropped her head and withdrew from the conversation.
My heart broke as I saw her sitting at the table, holding a lifeless bird.
I don’t know why some people experience the love of Jesus and run away. Why do some people spend a lifetime refusing his love? All I know is that we are called to share the love of Jesus and pray that he opens hearts to the gospel.
As I turned to leave, her face lit up. The sparrow was coming to life.
Stories of Seeing the Lost, Lonely, and Broken Through the Eyes of Jesus
“I would love to share my faith, but I don’t know what to say. My attempts feel awkward and forced. Sometimes, I push people away. I would never admit this, but I’ve started to avoid conversations about Jesus.”
Looking For The One is short stories about people experiencing Jesus in grocery stores, hospitals, and dugouts. Each story models walking with Jesus as He finds the lost through you.
As you witness the power of the gospel in your everyday life, you discover that the first life to be changed is yours.
Because as you look for the one, you become like the One.You become more like Jesus.
