Luke 12:22–24

Louisa Stead lost her husband when he drowned trying to save another swimmer as the family was enjoying a picnic at the beach.

Left alone with a young daughter and no way to support herself in those days before government programs were available, Louisa began to pray.

More than once an anonymous friend left food, money and clothing on her porch when things were especially desperate.

Out of that painful tragedy came one of the most beautiful hymns ever written:

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take him at his Word

Just to rest upon his promise,

Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!

How I’ve proved him o’er and o’er

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

Oh, for grace to trust him more!

Most of us have, thankfully, never faced a challenge quite as severe as Louisa Stead did.

But all of us have needs, burdens, heartaches and struggles.

In every one of those cases, we have an unfailing source of support — if we avail ourselves of it through faith.

When Jesus was reminding the disciples not to worry about the future, he used the example of ravens.

Ravens are not anyone’s favorite bird.

They are scavengers who do not care about the freshness of what they eat.

They do not soar majestically like eagles or sing beautiful songs like robins or cardinals.

Yet God still cares for these “ugly” birds.

And he cares for us. He will never forsake you as his child.

For more information, call the church at 765-778-2000 or email [email protected].

Hargis is pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton.