Most people know what it’s like to have no control over certain life situations, and It can be especially devastating when the results of the actions of another lead to ruinous consequences. It is no wonder that experiences like these can lead one away from a supreme being who appears to have total control over everything—including your life.
Unfortunately, many desperately avoid God for two reasons; they want complete control over their lives and don’t understand His goodness and love.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
We met our dog, Loki, on 12 April 2021 and instantly fell in love with him. He was limping in pain, frightened, and likely overwhelmed by my husband, myself, and our other dog, all strangers to him. After his journey from a foreign nation, he was at the rescue center, disoriented, scared, and uncertain about his future.
Before we adopted him, he had been through hell. He had been hit by a car, and unfortunately, his first owners decided to give him away. The accident broke his front right leg, and he had remained in pain till we rescued him after over a year at the rescue centre. Loki had no control over his life.
However, after we rescued him, Loki had a choice; to remain frightened of us or to allow us to love him as our own.
His name was Pablo, but we named him Loki – the bringer of Chaos. This new name represented new life, a new start – even if he had no choice in the matter! We called him by his new name in our interactions with him to help him embrace a new beginning in his life. We also introduced him to Daisy, our other rescue dog.
“The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory;
And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the Lord will designate.”
Isaiah 62:2
Daisy also had to learn to receive human love and has come a long way and is a good influence on Loki. Daisy learned to become part of the family and has grown to understand that we know what’s best for her—She chose to love and trust us, and so would Loki.
The relationship between our dogs and ourselves is similar in some regard to our relationship with God. God loves us and knows the best for us, but we need to love and trust Him. Additionally, just like Loki and Daisy make mistakes like chewing through shoes or some other annoying thing, we too make mistakes. We don’t kick the dogs out because of a mistake, and God doesn’t forsake us because of our mistakes. There is always room for forgiveness and growth. It’s not necessarily about what Loki and Daisy do wrong. Although we discipline them, it is always in love as we focus on their need for love and protection.
In the same way, this is what our God does for us. He looks at us and sees our hearts. God recognises our desire to be loved and accepted and reaches out to us—Waiting for us to accept His love.
“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 your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Although Loki came to us broken, we couldn’t leave him this way, so we took him to a vet who repaired his leg. The process of the repair was painful, and Loki had no control over this. He may not have understood why his leg needed repair since he’d grown accustomed to limping. However, he trusted us, and after the healing was complete, Loki could begin living in freedom.
In the same way, as we submit to God and trust Him, He can heal us of any wounds so that we can live freely.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
To be continued!
