When I took Denver, our youngest puppy, up to the vets
for his final vaccinations, it was an extremely
cold and bitter day. As I had several hours of errands
to complete while I was in the city, I decided to
board Denver at the clinic until I was finished. This
way he would not have to be left alone in the vehicle
on such a frigid day. As this was the first time I had
ever left him he did not go with the attendant easily.
He planted his feet and strained back on the leash. I
could see his fear of being left, but I knew I was
coming back and this would be a good lesson for him to
learn regarding trust.
Upon my arrival back at the clinic several hours
later, Denver greeted me with unbounded enthusiasm. I
had returned. I could be counted on.
Sometimes I have felt that God has left me too, or at
least forgotten me. I feel set aside. Nothing much is
happening spiritually. Life just goes on from day to
day and everything is simply quiet. I am not hearing
from God. When I pray I don't sense His presence.
The seeds I am sowing don't seem to be taking root
or growing. Life just becomes very ho-hum. The waiting
sometimes seems intolerable. At such times I
have learned to not give into my feelings. God can be
counted on. I will once again experience His
presence in tangible ways. The work He has called me
to do will begin to sprout and grow. He knows
exactly where I am and He has left me where I am for a
reason, and I can be assured it is for a good
reason, as God always knows what He is about.
Are you feeling forgotten or neglected or abandoned by
God today? If so, I urge you not to give into
your feelings. We cannot build our lives upon
feelings, for they are unstable and ever changing. Instead
choose to stand upon fact. And the fact is that God
has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake
you. Hebrews 13:5b
Prayer: Father God, thank you that You can be counted
on in all situations at all times in all places. Help
us to continue to grow in trust, that our fickle
feelings may give way to the fact and strength of Your
truth. In Christ's name we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
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