Have you ever felt helpless? I am sure that we have all had a time in our lives where we have felt helpless. You just wish you could change the clock back a few minutes, or maybe if you could have just been a little more aware of your surroundings, or if you could just make the bad go away.
I remember one day several years ago when my oldest son and I were headed out to town together. I don’t remember what we were going to go do but we were taking two vehicles.
I knew that He would drive faster than me on our country road so I wanted him to head out first. I had back up our van and was sitting there waiting. It was taking him so long to back up that I finally gave up and headed out ahead of him. I regretted that decision in a very short time. It was one of those times that you wish you could go back in time and make a different choice.
I was driving down our dirt road expecting at any minute for him to come up behind me. I had made it down the road quite a ways and was wondering why he had not showed up. I was thinking, “I wonder where he is?” when my cell phone rang. It was my younger son saying, “_______ ran over Rascal.”(Our golden retriever) “He is bleeding from his mouth.”
Needless to say I was in shock. I immediately turned around and headed back home. I was thinking, “How could this happen?” “I don’t remember seeing the dog even in the driveway when I was sitting there waiting for my son to back up. I was in full view of his car, how did I miss seeing him?” He had been sleeping in the driveway and I did not see him.
When I arrived back at the house my dad and son had already jacked up the car off the dog. No tire had gone over him, he had gone in the middle and the car was not high enough to go over the dog so he was trapped between the car and the ground.
I got down there to assess the situation. I could see right off that he was not internally bleeding from the mouth. His face had been pushed into the gravel and rocks had cut him.
We tried to get him to come out from under the car but he would not. We were trying everything we could, even treats, (recommended by the vet). The Lord impressed me to get his leash. He loved to go on walks and would often go get his leash and bring it to us, even though we never used it for him.
As soon as I hooked him to the leash he dragged himself out from under the car. We were able to get him into the vehicle and head off to the vet. There were many things that happened that would take to long to share here. There were many weeks of pain and care. After about two weeks it was realized that he needed surgery. It had crushed him and broke his spine, which could not be seen at first.
It was a miracle that after they put rods in his back that he fully recovered and is able to walk and hike with our children.
I think what amazes me the most about this story is the fact that Rascal never showed any anger, bitterness, or unforgiving spirit toward our son that backed over him. He knew what car backed over him. Dogs are smart. And he knew who did it. But he loves our son just the same as he always did.
It makes me think of Jesus. We all have sinned. We have often ran right over Him to do whatever we want to do. We have crushed Him. He knows we have crushed Him and all He does is love us. Every time we sin we crucify Him afresh and put Him to shame. (See Hebrews 6:6).
The amazing part is that He holds no anger, bitterness or an unforgiving spirit toward us. He still wants to walk with us, to spend time with us and to fellowship with us. What makes things even worse is that we do it over and over again.
It brings me to tears as I write this. As I think about how I bring pain to Him over and over again. And then the amazing love and forgiveness He has for me. I am realizing more and more how important it is to spend time each day thinking about the life of Christ, especially the last scenes. I need His sacrifice for me to effect my heart in such a way that I will never want to do anything intentionally that will hurt Him.
Dear Father,
I thank You for giving Your Son? How can I begin to thank You for Your love and Your forgiveness? I know the answer to this but it seems so hard at times. I know the best way to show my love to You is to keep Your Word. Continue to prompt my heart with Your unfailing love, showing me the path of life.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
God has done so much for you in giving His Son. Reach out to Him today and surrender all to Him. Read the story of the life of Christ in the Bible and think on His life especially the last scenes. I would love to give you a free copy of my favorite commentary on the life of Christ. Go here and scroll to the bottom of the page to “My Favorite Commentary on the Life of Christ” and click “I want a free copy” and I will get one out to you.
What experience have you had that lead you to realize your need of God? What things do you do that help draw you closer to Him?