I walked where the dinosaurs walked this week. In the Paluxy riverbed near Glenrose, Texas, clearly discernible footprints of dinosaurs are imprinted in the rock. They must have walked in the mud so many years ago. I gave thanks that I was not living in the Jurassic period, dodging Tyrannosaurus Rex.
By contrast, at the camp itself, under the awning of the dining hall, lark sparrows have built nests for their young. Since God created the world, despite heat waves and cold spells, life continues. We marveled at the open mouths of baby birds waiting for their supper as we waited in line for ours in the cafeteria line.
As I worshiped with this amazing group of our students, I was reminded that God is doing wonderful work in this new “Revival generation,” as Lucas, the camp pastor named them. Despite opinions to the contrary, the God who has been saving people for thousands of years is doing it again in this rising group of young people. I am so glad to have a front-row seat.
Sometimes my friends and family members express dismay at the state of our world. Even though the dinosaurs are gone, our world frightens us sometimes. What will become of these children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren? Should we be frightened for them?
Jesus tells his disciples then and now, “Do not be afraid.” What should we do in a world that is going crazy? Don’t go crazy with them. Instead, we are to speak God’s truth in love. We do not need to fear people who can harm us physically. On the contrary, we have a deeper reverence for our Creator and Redeemer.
Watching the sparrows reminded me that God is keeping track of every one of them. If one of the babies in the nest fell, God would know it. We may think the devil is in the details, but God is in control. He counts the hairs on our heads (which is getting easier in some cases). We are worth so much more than the sparrows. If God takes care of them, won’t he take care of us? He will. Do not be afraid.
