Where Are You God? I Need You Now!


“God, I don’t know what to do. Please help me.” I cried out. There was no assurance that all would be well, nor was there a discernment He was leading me in a particular way. I felt totally alone.

It all started about 8:00 p.m. when my dog uncharacteristically barked continuously as a neighbor and I stood out in the back yard talking. She soon left and Toby lay down on the dining room rug, I thought, to sleep. Watching him, though, it was apparent by his panting and the stiffening of his leg something was terribly wrong. “Lord, what do I do?” There seemed to be no leading, except I felt strongly that I didn’t want to take him back to the emergency room, so I called friend who learned from her father, a veterinarian, about sick animals. She gave me much-needed information. But nothing seemed to work. “Oh God, where are You when I need You.” Curiously, around 11:00 p.m. I knew I had to now take him to the emergency room

Though Toby was immediately taken to the examining room, because of the COVID outbreak I had to wait outside-- it would be a long night. Amazingly, within an hour and a half the Veterinarian was on the phone with me. The news was not good and I had to make the choice to let my beloved Toby go. While waiting to be taken back to be with him, I needed to hear a voice, but it was 1:00 a.m. A text from my friend who had helped earlier was proof she was awake. Our talk lasted just a minute, but I didn’t feel so alone.

It was a long night. God, where were you?

 

THOUGHTS:  Where was God? I believe He was:

1.     In my knowledge to turn to someone who knew more about sick animals than I.

2.    In the friend who talked with me about what might make Toby feel better.

3.    In the friend who agreed to come over at that late hour and help me get Toby into the car.

4.    In the friend who took my phone call at 1:00 a.m.

5.    With Toby. Most of his last hours were spent in his home and with the one who loved him most. The emergency room experience was unusually fast.

6.    In the health-care workers and my ability to put aside my feelings to do what was best for my dog.

7.    And last, but certainly not least, in the sad days that followed, the kind words of others, phone calls, a card, and even a friend dedicating a blog to Toby, helped to ease the sadness of loss.

Where was God? He allowed me to have this amazing dog for a little over three years. And though, by my time table, it wasn’t long enough, my life was immensely enriched by this four-legged presence.

Prayer for the Reader

Oh Lord, when I am asked to represent you, help me to be generous to that other in need. Thank you for trusting me with such an important ministry. In Jesus Name, Amen

          R.I.P. My sweet, sweet, Toby

 

 


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