A Great Dog – One We Didn’t Grow Weary With
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time (in God’s perfect time) we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” - GALATIANS 6:9-10
ONE MESSED-UP DOG
I once had an unforgettable dog. Sadie was abused by her previous master and developed an uncontrollable viciousness. The cruel owner was going to put her down—anything to get that dog off his hands. I pleaded for an opportunity to help her. He happily agreed.
With some assistance, I got Sadie home and chained her to a pole in our backyard. It was much worse than I imagined. If I ventured anywhere in the yard, she’d begin lunging at me, barking and snapping wildly. If I brought her food, she would whip into a frenzy of anger. It was so bad that I couldn’t allow our little boys in the backyard for fear of what might happen.
For several weeks I tried everything I could think of to help her. She calmed down a bit, but would fly into vicious attacks for no reason at all. In absolute frustration, I decided I’d have to take her to the pound and they would have to do away with her. It was such a grief to me. Why couldn’t she just change?
A PERFECTLY-TIMED CHANGE
The fateful day came when I dragged Sadie by her chain to the front yard and ordered her into the back of my truck. As usual she did nothing. Then, when I grabbed for her collar to steer her teeth away from me and haul her in, suddenly she jumped in by herself.
I couldn’t believe it. That was the first time she ever obeyed me. That was all the incentive I needed to give her a reprieve. She had changed, even though it was only in the tiniest way. I began working with her and day by-day-she became sweeter and sweeter. And this was just the beginning.
Sadie lived with us ten years. She became the most lovable dog I’ve ever known. She traveled with us in our van, slept with the boys—in their beds—and played with anyone who looked at her. She wouldn’t hurt a fly. She was so affectionate that you’d have to push her away or her licks would drench you. What a dog! And what a lesson!
STICK-TO-IT-TIVE-NESS
One of the greatest needs in a Christian’s life is stick-to-it-tive-ness—not giving up. As Hebrews 10:36 says, “You have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” Sadie became the best dog I’ve ever had. If I had given up, we would have never enjoyed our times together—and she would have been put down.
Is there a person in your life—maybe a brother, sister, one of your parents, or a friend—that you’ve been sorely tempted to cast aside? Don’t. Is there something God has put on your heart that has failed and you have lost heart over? If God is leading you to go on in the venture, don’t give up.
Today’s Scripture says that God’s plans come to fruition as we do not grow weary. Try, try, try, and try again. Be heroically determined. Pray much. Seek wise advice. Learn all God wants you to learn and from your mistakes and failures.
Catch all the lessons God has for you. God will lead you into very surprising victories as you continue to persevere. Some of the greatest victories and blessings in life come from God because His people kept getting up after repeatedly hitting obstacles or failing over and over and over again.
HEROICALLY DETERMINED FOR WHAT IS MONUMENTALLY IMPORTANT
Realize that your continued effort is monumentally important. Many lives and many others’ eternities are resting on you following God to the completions of what He has put on your heart. God will wrestle His victories through “your hand” –your efforts– and your perseverance while His power works for you. (Proverbs 12: 24, Isaiah 32: 8). He’s designed it that way so we can share in His victories. 
(2 Corinthians 2:14).
Choose to be a person who lives moderately. Seek to be God’s man or God’s woman where your goal is to be God’s instrument to help, bless, and encourage others—not to impress them.
Loving—not impressing—is the realm we were created to live in. Remember those close to you in your own family, then move outward from there. This will bring you into a meaningful life, full of pleasing God and true purpose.
“Don’t faint and give way in the valley. Every vision will be made real if we have patience. God is never in a hurry.”
OSWALD CHAMBERS
Incredible. Mind-bogglingly incredible.
Don Miller