How did your downsizing happen? Did it hit like a bolt out of the blue or, in retrospect were the signs slowly but imperceptible building? Personally, although I was experiencing a growing uneasiness in my teaching ministry, I held on to the belief that if any teachers were let go, my seniority would save me. When my principal informed me of my downsizing just prior to Christmas break in 2005, I felt a paradoxical mixture of relief (God must have something better in store and will provide) and anger (how could they mess with my financial future like this?).
An uncertain future is unsettling and bewildering. Whatever sense of control and decision-making we felt can play right into Satan’s hands if we allow our focus to drift away from our Lord.It is precisely under such circumstances that we need to acknowledge the sovereignty of our loving God and affirm His beneficent control of our situation. When a pregnant Hagar fled into the desert and God spoke to her, she responded by naming God: “You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13). Deep in our heart of faith we can affirm this truth. The challenge is to constantly reaffirm God’s sovereignty and goodness in times of distress.
Civella Martin wrote the words to “His Eye is on the Sparrow” in the spring of 1905, based on her friendship with a Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for almost 20 years and her husband was a cripple who needed full use of a wheelchair. When Civella’s husband asked the Doolittles the secret of their bright hopefulness, Mrs. Doolittle replied: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
