“Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 (NKJV)

There are places on earth that seem to whisper of ancient days. Walking through Redwood National Park feels like stepping into another time. The towering trees, some over 2,000 years old, stretch heavenward with a quiet majesty that makes you instinctively lower your voice in reverence. Ferns blanket the forest floor, and the air is heavy with stillness. You half expect a T-Rex to emerge from the mist—it would feel completely natural here. I did get to see this guy helping out with an engagement.

The coastal redwoods belong to the Sequoia genus, and it is believed that different kinds of Sequoias were once found over much of the world—perhaps before Noah’s Flood. Today, only a few places remain: California’s coast, the Sierras with their Giant Sequoias, and a recently rediscovered grove in China holding the Dawn Redwood.

While their size alone inspires awe, redwoods also carry another incredible trait: they are fire-resistant. In a region plagued by wildfires, this is more than impressive—it’s vital. Their fibrous bark is thick and rich in tannins, naturally resistant to flames and pests. Even when fire burns through the center of a redwood, leaving a hollow core, the tree continues to live. It adapts, strengthens, and survives.

And so do we.

Sometimes, in this vast world of over 8 billion people, we can feel small—insignificant. We see videos that zoom out from Earth into the expanding cosmos until our planet disappears into nothingness, and we wonder: Do I even matter?

But Scripture answers with a resounding yes.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.” — Jeremiah 1:5 (NKJV)

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” — Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” — Luke 12:7 (NKJV)

The God who created galaxies also handcrafted you—intentionally, purposefully, and lovingly. He didn’t just form you; His love for you is so great that He came to earth in human form to redeem you. Yeshua wanted you and me so badly to be with Him in eternity He endured the cross so that you and I could walk forgiven and free, destined for eternity with Him. All He asks is that we believe, follow, and trust Him.

But the redwoods remind us of something else—something deeper.

Even when you belong to God, fire still comes.

Yeshua was clear:

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NKJV)

Being His follower doesn’t spare us from trials. The world remains broken for now—marked by sin, pain, and death. But like the redwoods, we are not defenseless. God gives us His Spirit—our comforter, counselor, and strength. Through Him, we become spiritually fire resistant. We may go through the flames, but we are not consumed. We have His comfort, wisdom, hope, and peace to help us through it all. We just need to trust in Him. That He will be all that He says He is in the Bible.

As the character Matthew from The Chosen said, “I have only one thing to do today: follow Him. The rest takes care of itself.” (I know that the script is not fully biblical and they took some creative license, but it still has lessons to glean from it.) With each moment you face day to day be fire resistant and simply follow Yeshua. He will take care of the rest. We make the decision to act/react, speak/respond in each moment based on how God calls us to behave.

Let that be your posture.

With every fiery trial, every moment of fear or confusion, choose to follow Yeshua. Choose to trust. He has equipped you with everything you need to stand tall, rooted deeply, and weather the flames. Like the redwoods, your scars may remain—but so will your life, your faith, and your testimony.

(I use the name Yeshua instead of Jesus because I like calling Him by His actual name. I do call Him Jesus as well. I do not see it as a salvation issue.)

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Reflection Question

Where in your life do you feel the flames closing in? How might God be calling you to trust Him and walk through it, not around it?

Closing Prayer

Lord, You are the Maker of galaxies and the One who knows me by name. When I feel small, remind me that I am seen. When trials come like fire, help me to stand firm, rooted in Your truth and covered by Your Spirit. Make me resilient like the redwoods—strong not in myself, but in You. I trust You to guide my steps and to carry me through. Help me follow You today. In Jesus’ name, amen.