You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. — John 8:32
Those of you who know me know that I’ve struggled with a fear of dogs almost all my life. In recent days, the Lord has delivered me from 98% of that, but I did have a tense moment a couple days ago.
I was taking a walk on a stretch of country road between a couple of farms. I thought I was a good distance away from any houses, but I guess I got within the territorial radar of a big farm dog. He came bounding through the fields barking at me. There was no owner in sight. A fellow in a pickup drove by and I waved at him, but he ignored me. It was just me and a really big dog.
My first instinct was to cut and run all the way to my car. But I knew I could never cover the distance before the dog reached me. I was stuck in a place I did not want to be. Against all the fear I had inside, I did what I knew I needed to do. I stopped, turned and faced the dog. He kept coming. This wasn’t looking good. I got out my cell phone and called my wife. I guess I thought if these were going to be my final moments, I might as well be talking to my wife.
The dog stopped. He kept on barking, but at least he stopped. I stood there. He stood there. It seemed like a very long time, but my cell phone measured it at three minutes. He backed up. I slowly backed up, still facing him. A few minutes later he was back in his driveway and I was safe.
Those of us who are alive experience plenty of uncomfortable moments in our lives, where we are backed into a corner and forced to face something we don’t want to face. Why would the Lord do that to us?
Recently, I’ve been backed into a corner and forced to face a number of things about myself and how I come across to other people. It has not been comfortable by any stretch of the imagination. But, now that I’ve looked at these things (and I’m sure there’s more I still need to face), I have a new kind of freedom in my life. I can let go of some things that I thought I needed to hang on to. I’m stronger now than I was. It’s just like the dog incident. Next time I encounter a big farm dog, I have a strategy born of experience.
The Bible says not to despise the discipline of the Lord. So let me encourage those of you who are going through difficult times. The Lord is at work, not to make you suffer, but rather to make you strong; not to make you fear, but rather to make you free.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.