Trusting God to Take Care of the Birds…& Our Kids

Luke 12:22-34

“22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? 27″Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you-you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 32″Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This passage is so lovely. It’s a perfect example of how much God loves us, considers us more valuable than the rest of creation, and that we shouldn’t worry about a thing. Yet…I have to confess that when I read this, my thoughts look something like this:

“Man, how awesome would it be to be a bird! They fly around with an awesome view without the high airfare prices. They swoop down, eat what they want and fly off without cleaning up afterwards. And I bet their little birdie babies don’t complain about what is served for dinner when mom and dad bird swoop in with a plate full of worms. Instead of ‘so gross’ they probably say ‘yummy protein! Thanks, momma!’ Sounds like an easy life!”

Hopefully this gave you a good chuckle, but the serious reality is that my gut reaction to these verses is incredibly warped by my sinful, selfish ways. I have some serious mom control issues.

Jesus was sent to earth to die for my sins, not for the birds. That’s how much God loves me. Every selfish, ungrateful, controlling part of me. Birds will never have a relationship with their creator. They will never know the grace, mercy and love of a perfect Savior. And yet I envy them? My thoughts immediately went to what I don’t have: physical and financial limitations (i.e. I can’t fly), the option to not clean up after dinner, and appreciation from my kids for every single meal. I don’t have the control to make these things happen for me, so I complain. In my desire to control the life God has given me and the children I am responsible to care for, I push Jesus to the ground and make the incredible sacrifice he made for me not good enough.

Of course, it IS good enough and that is the biggest understatement I can write. I don’t deserve even a second glance from God and yet he loves me unconditionally. That reminder, and his constant love, is why I lay my mom control issues at his feet daily. If I don’t, I’m not a momma that reflects who Christ is and not the momma that I want to be. All we can do is provide our children with the guidance and ability to make good choices. What they do with it is up to them and God.

Did you notice that verse 23 says “life is worth more than food”? While nutrition is important for our growing children, take comfort in knowing that your child will likely not contract a veggie deficiency illness like the one I fabricated in my daydreams (read trusting God with our children’s health) if they are picky eaters. Don’t make every mealtime a battle of will, fighting arguing, and pushing. You can’t control the food that actually makes it down their throat. Make dinner time about family, about building relationships, and about Christ. And who knows? Maybe when you let it go, your child will take a teensy, tiny half-bite of a vegetable.

This is part of a series called The “My Kid Doesn’t Eat Veggies” devotional. Click here to read more of the series. Messy Tired Love devotionals connect everyday mom moments to the truth of the gospel. Learn more here.