Vern has only been out for short walks in the last few days due to the cold temperatures. Instead of spending time outside chasing the ball attached to a rope or rolling on the road when he wants to extend his walk, he spends his time in front of the fire, still. So still.
It’s incredible what you can learn from the animals that God places in our lives. Vern has taught me the importance of being still. As Moses led the Israelites up to the Red Sea with the Egyptians at their heels, he shouted for all to hear, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today.” (Exodus 14:13)
So often we want to act. Do something. Anything. I’m sure the Israelites wanted to run away or swim across the Red Sea on their own power. I can imagine the grumbling and chaos among the millions of people. But God had a plan and he used Moses by commanding them to be still and allow Him to do his work.
I have to confess I’m a fixer. I want to act on my own understanding and get the problem resolved. Place the check mark beside the solution and move on. Recently, I’ve discovered through my own personal trials that I can’t fix everything. And in these times, I shout out to the Lord, “Show me the salvation you have in store for me!”
And in response, he provides a sense of peace through his word. Ecclesiastes 3:11 also spoke to me. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” In other words, I need to be still and allow him to make everything beautiful in his time, not mine.
As we go through the trials of this life, it is imperative for us to be still and know that God is God, and we are not. (Psalm 46:10) Only when we can do this, will we be able to be still in His goodness.
As for Vern, he continues to find peace in front of the fire, trusting that we will provide for him. And if Vern can trust in his imperfect humans, how much more should we be able to trust in a perfect God?
Thank for the encouragement. I needed to read this today.
Hits home! Hard to do!