Although my husband and I are currently pet-free, most of our married life included dogs. While our sons were growing up, dogs were part of the family. They provided lessons of responsibility along with companionship that only pets can provide. Often, I’d find the boys napping or watching TV on the living room floor with two big Labradors curled up beside them. But as time marched on, the children grew up and moved out. Our furry friends grew old, and too soon we were faced with saying our final farewells.
WELCOME TRIXIE!
A year after our last family dog had to be put down, we were ready to become pet owners again. This time we decided to adopt rather than choose a puppy from a litter. We searched for a dog that was good with kids and housebroken. The search paid off; we found our perfect Trixie, an 8-month-old lab mix. It took two visits to the shelter in Lansdale and a lot of paperwork before we could bring her home.
SHE TRUSTED US
The day we adopted her, she seemed anxious. She timidly climbed into the back seat of the car. As I petted and talked with her, she playfully leaned over the driver’s seat and began licking my husband’s ear! Pushing her back only encouraged her to try again. In less than an hour, she transitioned from a fearful pup to a happy dog. She trusted us.
DO I TRUST HIM?
While pondering that moment, I wondered if I was as quick to trust God as Trixie was to trust us. Do I trust God wherever he leads me and with whatever he asks? In all circumstances, regardless of knowing the outcome, do I trust Him?
Trixie never turned down a snack; she loved to eat. But she didn’t sit by her bowl waiting for the next meal. She knew we would fill her dish every day. Do I confidently display the same level of trust in God as my provider, the great Jehovah-Jireh? Trixie loved going for walks, whether heading for the rail trails, the park, or walks around home; she enjoyed walking with us regardless of where we were going. Trixie reminds me that knowing the destination is not nearly as rewarding as traveling with Jesus and trusting Him.
TRUST IS FAITH IN ACTION
Trusting in God is how we walk out our faith; it is faith in action. The Bible provides many verses on trusting God. Below are a few good examples worth memorizing:
- Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (NIV)
- Isaiah 26:3-4: “You keep him in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (NIV)
- Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (NIV)
This was the first of many “Trixie Lessons”. None are profound; simply gentle reminders of what my spiritual walk should look like. There is no better place to start than focusing on Trust.
Click to hear Ron Hunt’s story.