Every Day Miracles - The Dog

Walking on the Centennial Trail near our home, which winds along the Spokane River, I was enjoying the crisp morning air with blue skies and talking with the Lord. Financial worries weighed heavily on my mind, and I felt the need to lay them before Him. I knew He heard my prayers, because in 1 Peter 5:7, I read, “Cast all your anxiety on Him for he cares for you” (The NIV Study Bible.) Intent on praying, and watching birds fly over the water, I was startled to see a big German shepherd up ahead on the path. For a fleeting moment I felt an overwhelming fear. Lately, I had heard stories about dog attacks. “Lord,” I prayed softly, “you know my fear of big dogs, could you take him out of my way, somehow?”
I’m not sure what I expected the Lord to do; reach down and send him scurrying home, perhaps. I looked around the trees and found a broken branch. It seemed sturdy enough to scare him. But, when I looked up, he darted into the field. I waited to see if he was going up the hill to one of the homes, but I lost track of him.

Tentatively, I walked forward. I had to go this way to get home. I couldn’t stand here all day, waiting to see where the dog went. I picked up the pace a little, singing softly and swinging the stick back and forth with vigor. I think my actions were more to give me confidence than to intimidate the dog.

As I reached the place where I thought the dog had gone under the fence, I looked and gasped. There he sat quietly behind a bush, watching me. How about that? I thought. God answered my prayer – and very quickly too. It was as if an angel had the dog on a leash, waiting for me to pass. Later, I looked back and watched the dog slip from behind the bush and saunter on down the trail.
Walking home, I smiled. Those things that weighed on me when I started out this morning, melted away.

Thank you, Father. You proved again your word is trustworthy!

EVERYDAY MIRACLES - The Sick Child

The day began early for the young mother of two and she could tell by the cough from her youngest son it would be a challenging one. She quickly rose and made breakfast for the family, but the little one had no appetite. He only wanted to be held. The day wore on and the intensity of the cough increased. As darkness fell the fever began. “Water, mama,” he cried. The chills came on. She became frightened as his temperature continued to climb, and called the doctor’s offices; they were closed. Quickly she tried an emergency number, but it was a holiday and there was no answer. Finally in desperation, she annointed her little son with oil and sent a whispered prayer upward - a mother’s desperate plea for her child. The whisper was heard, the fever fell and the child could finally sleep. Wearied, but relieved, she again sent a whisper heavenward, giving thanks!