You are of great value

"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

In a story published by BBC News Friday titled, “Jersey runner completes 100-mile challenge in memory of step dad," it was reported that runner Steph Henwood-Darts, who won the Jersey Marathon earlier this year, ran 4.2 miles (6.8 km) every hour for 24 hours. She raised money for The Shelter Trust, who helped her step father, Pete Ollivier, when he was homeless, and Jersey Hospice Care, who cared for him when he had cancer. Ms Henwood-Darts said Mr Ollivier, who died in October, was a "great man". She started the challenge at 10:00 GMT on Friday, doing loops of the running track at Les Quennevais. Ms Henwood-Darts, who was three years old when Mr Ollivier became her step father, said: "My memories of him in my younger years are of fun and laughter, lots of football, holidays and being carried up to bed every night by this great man.

And you know, when it comes to memories of our dads, many of us would admit that the recollections are depressing, disheartening, painful or even nonexistent for those whose fathers abandoned them. This is something that, no doubt, might have greatly affected your self esteem and the way you view yourself. But the truth of your worth is this... your Heavenly Father knows everything about you but loves you anyway. So much so that He not only numbered the individual hairs on your head but sent His one and only Son to deliver the message that “you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Do you get that? No matter what value your earthly father placed on you, your Heavenly Father declared you worthy of the ultimate sacrifice. He loves you that much!

So let me ask you something today. When you look in the mirror what do you see? If it’s a person of little or no worth, look again and remember this my friend... you are more valuable to your Heavenly Father than a whole flock of sparrows. Does that make you smile or what?

Heavenly Father, we love You and we thank You for being a perfect Father who knows everything about us but loves us anyway. Thank you for seeing us as worthy of your unfailing love and ultimate sacrifice despite our sins and our shortcomings. Please remind us of our value in your eyes, especially when the enemy calls us worthless or brings up memories that might be painful. Remind us that we are loved Jesus and help us to walk as children of the King. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!