A man stopped by a house with a sign out front that said, “Talking Dog For Sale.” The owner directed him to the backyard to see the dog. He was pretty skeptical and called out, “You talk?” “Yep,” the mutt replied. The man then said, “So, what’s your story?”
The dog looked up and said, “Well, I discovered this gift when I was young and I wanted to help the government so I went to work for the CIA. I jetted around from country to country. I’ve spied on world leaders because no one ever figured a dog could eavesdrop.
I was one of their most valuable agents. I uncovered some incredible secrets and was awarded a bunch of medals. I had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.”
The guy couldn’t believe his ears! Who ever heard of a dog that talked? He was already thinking of ways he could use an eavesdropping dog. He turned to the owner and said, “How much do you want for him?”
The owner replied, “Ten dollars.”
To which the man replied, “Your dog is amazing. Can I ask why you’re selling him so cheap?”
The owner just shook his head and said, “Because he’s a big liar!”
Well, that dog may be a liar, but I know this to be true. God is faithful. He has been faithful. He will always be faithful. He has been faithful throughout my life and I know He will continue to be faithful. And the Bible says that God does not lie.
As those women stood at that empty tomb, confused, disturbed, frightened and disturbed by the empty tomb, uncertain of what had happened, — the angel’s words were simply, “He is not here, he is risen, JUST AS HE SAID.”
I love those words. It’s a reminder to stand upon the promises of God even though I don’t understand. It’s a challenge to keep the faith, even though doubts might surround me.
We all face times when we need to trust God even when we don’t understand him but those are times in which we are called to “press in.”
We need to press closer to Jesus when our doubts and disappointments overwhelm us. We need to press closer to Jesus when the problems of life consume us and the stresses of life drain us.
Andre Crouch once sang, “Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God. Through it all, I’ve learned to depend upon His Word.”
It’s His Word, and the “weight” of God’s glory that will keep the soul from being blown away by the adversities of life. It’s the “weight” of God’s glory found in Jesus that will neutralize the pain and pressure brought on by temptation or bitterness. It’s the “weight” of God’s glory that will keep us anchored in the storm surges of life.
We also need to press in to Jesus by seeking genuine community. In the community of faith the Apostle Paul found those who were encouraging guides, faithful servants, and caring providers.
Facing hard times in life when you are alone is tough.
Aristarchus was the friend God gave to Paul so he didn’t face his hard times alone. He would elsewhere write, “I thank God for every remembrance of you.”
And so I “thank God” for His Word, His presence, and His precious promises. He does not lie. And I thank God for each of you” and your support, your prayers, and your encouragement throughout our years together. I’ve been blessed.
Together we are more. Dennis