Unwritten

The Sparrow's Fall: Finding God's Perfect Providence in Grief and Rebellion


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In this episode of Unwritten, Trevor sits down with John Merkle to talk about how a traumatic family loss led to seven years of rebellion, only for a sparrow he shot as a boy to later reveal God's perfect providence.

Whether you're someone who, like many followers of Jesus, is drawn to the story of the prodigal son, or just curious about trusting in God's providence through suffering, this conversation will offer an insight into how the Lord worked clearly to call John back home, using particular moments from his past life to foster deeper understanding and trust.

What You’ll Hear:

• The upheaval and aimlessness John experienced after his father, a strong character and guiding force, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and quickly passed away, leaving the family in turmoil and debt.

• How John's conscious rejection of God and his 7-year plunge into a life of sin and "party scene" led to deep dissatisfaction and emptiness, until a quiet voice suggesting God had a plan was reinforced by a nearly fatal car crash.

• The beautiful moment John surrendered his life to God after reading Jeremiah 29, and the later realization that even the death of his father and the seemingly accidental shooting of a sparrow were moments where God's will and providing love were present all along.

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