I wish there was some way I could help out, I thought as I drove home after dropping the children off at school. My husband needed new tires for his truck, and there just didn’t seem to be enough money to go around. I was low on food money too. Still, he was always so kind to me and the children that I wished there was some way I could help him.
Well, I don’t know any way I can help, I said to myself, and I’ve got to attend to that dog.
On Saturday afternoon the children had noticed a strange dog hiding behind our garage. “Come and see her, Mom,” they’d coaxed. “She’s an awfully nice dog, and she has a collar with a tag on it too.”
I hadn’t wanted to see the dog, because in my heart I thought I might want to keep it. I knew we couldn’t afford one, so I told the children, “Just don’t get too attached to her.”
Now it was Monday morning, and I knew I ought to call the animal clinic and tell them we had a lost dog. She really was a nice dog. She looked like a small collie, except she was black where a collie would be honey colored. I’d hardly ever seen a dog that was so well mannered or good tempered. By Sunday afternoon we were all petting and enjoying her. The children would be sorry if she were gone when they came home. But, reluctantly, I went in and called the clinic number on the dog’s tag.
“Oh, those people will be glad to hear you have their dog,” said the worker who answered the phone. “I’ll call them right away.” Within five minutes the phone rang at our house, and arrangements were made with the owners to come and pick up the dog. Her name was Coda.
Coda was as delighted to see Tom, her owner, as Tom was to see his dog. He thanked me warmly for caring for her and then said, “You know there’s a reward for returning Coda, don’t you?”
“No,” I answered. “I wasn’t aware of any reward.”
“Well, Coda’s an Australian shepherd, a very valuable dog,” Tom said as he gave me $250 reward money.
Wow! That’ll be a good start on a new set of tires was my first thought, marveling at the Lord’s goodness and provision for us. And out loud I said, “Thank you, but I didn’t do anything.”
“Oh, yes you did,” Tom answered. “You fed and cared for her. You’ve earned your reward. Besides, Coda is like a child to us. We really appreciate your kindness.”
How sweetly God answers our needs. Coda could have wandered into anyone’s backyard, but the Lord directed her to ours. I was reminded of His promise to those who love Him and want to please Him: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)).
Food and tires are real necessities, but every one of us has a far greater need - the forgiveness of our sins. That’s something no amount of money can pay for, but God has supplied that need too. Romans 5:88But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) tells us that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Won’t you confess yourself a guilty, helpless sinner and let Him fill that need in your life too?
ML-10/10/1999