It began like any other walk. The route was the same. The
evening temperature refreshingly cool.
As I walked my dog, Precious, I noticed a yard that was
occupied by two medium-sized, fairly muscular, black, dogs. They barked a stern
warning. We rounded the top of the hill when I noticed it. Instead of
responding by barking, Precious continued to focus on me, a look of inquiry on
her face.
Her eyes never left my face as we continued past the house,
black dogs barking all the while. No lunging, no display of aggression, and no
barking. Just the upward tilt of her face, searching mine for a clue as to what
she should do...
Trust. Pure and simple. Precious trusted me. She knew I
would keep her safe. What a response!
Our lives are filled with challenges. How do we respond?
It's easy to give in to our flesh and do what comes naturally - retaliate.
After all, don't we have 'rights'? Or do we die to self, turn our faces upward,
and seek the face of our Master? Trusting Him. Confident in knowing that He
will give us the guidance we need to face whatever situation threatens us.
Choose His way. Tilt your face up to your Heavenly Father,
who promises to give wisdom to all those who ask. Respond in faith, knowing He
is trustworthy!
Prayer: Thank you, Father, that You can be trusted. Help me choose Your way when I'm faced with life's challenges. Amen.
Great reminder, Maria! We've been having to do a lot of trusting as our family is moving, which can be unsettling in this economy. Do you buy a home in a down economy, not knowing if values will go up or down? How do you know this neighborhood will be right for your child/children? What school will provide the most godly friends and positive teachers? And if you pass on that house you feel God moving you away from, will you ever find one in time? For me, it's come to surrender, knowing God knows best, even if things don't turn out how I'd like them. I've also been trying to focus on Paul's admonition to focus on the eternal and *knowing Christ* and not the temporal.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're focusing on the right things, Jen! It's great that you're taking all those questions to the Lord and letting Him be your ultimate 'barometer' of whether to move ahead or not. Praying for clear direction for you and your family during this transition!
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteMy dog, Pearl, is kind of impulsive... not so awesome in the blind trust department. I hate to admit it, but she reminds me so much of... me.
Great to see you, Cheryl! Love your honesty - because I'm a lot like your dog Pearl, too! Have a blessed weekend!
DeleteI love this...watching Him for how to respond, trusting that He's got it all under control, and having the faith to follow Him...beautiful, Maria!
ReplyDeleteYou're always an encouragement, Susan! Thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful weekend! Hugs!
DeleteI've had several of those challenges this week. With one particular situation, I'm in the trust mode. The other two - I'm not quite there yet.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! When it rains, it pours, right? Glad to hear you desire to trust the Lord in all three of your challenges. Praying for you, my friend!
DeleteThis post is beautifully written, Maria. I could picture you walking Precious, the black dogs barking all the while as Precious searched your face for instruction.
ReplyDeleteI try to look up as often as possible for guidance. It has helped me to react prudently as opposed to hastily. Not always, though. Lol. I'm a work in progress.
Thank you for the reminder. Have a great Sunday!
Hi Janette! Thanks for your sweet words of encouragement! It IS so important to look to the Lord for guidance. Have a wonderful week & God bless!
DeleteAwesome post. As I was reading it I thought...that is how trusting in the Father I want to be. :) Love how you write! Trusting Him each step of the way...with my eyes on him and not the problem.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you, Elaine! Appreciate your encouragement! God bless you as you trust Him with each step of your journey. Have a beautiful week!
DeleteShe looks just like my Libby! What you said about trust is so true. Thank you.
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Welcome to Life Lessons, Debbie! Thanks for following. Aren't Golden Retrievers wonderful? Ours is as sweet as can be - and very trusting. Have a blessed week & thanks again for visiting!
DeleteWelcome to Life Lessons, Debbie! Thanks for following. Aren't Golden Retrievers wonderful? Ours is as sweet as can be - and very trusting. Have a blessed week & thanks again for visiting!
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