FEBRUARY 28, James 1:2-4

“Hold still, Tippy,” commanded Kannan. “I know you don’t like this, but you have to be on a leash when we take a walk.” The impatient little dog wriggled and squirmed, and at last Kannan said, “Okay, you’re ready. Let’s go.”

As they walked, Tippy kept pulling on his leash, wanting to dash off or to investigate a rustling in the bushes. He tried to run over to a neighbour who was working in his garden. “Hi, Mr Wee,” called Kannan. “Hi, Kannan,” said Mr Wee. “How are things going? You’ve got a lively dog there.”

“I know,” agreed Kannan. He walked over to talk with M. Wee. “Grandma’s sick again,” Kannan told him with a sigh, “and last night my bike was stolen. It seems like everything is going wrong for me.” He paused, then added, “I sometimes wonder if God even cares.”

As Kannan spoke, Tippy tugged hard on his leash. Kannan picked up his dog and held him in his arms. “Tippy doesn’t like that leash, does he?” asked Mr Wee. “Why don’t you just let him roam free?”

Kannan gave the puppy a squeeze. “If he ran free, he might get run over by a car or be attacked by a big dog or something,” he said. “You know that.”

“That’s true,” agreed Mr Wee, “so you keep him on a leash whether he likes it or not. At least he likes all the other things you do, doesn’t he? Like giving him a bath or taking him to the vet for shots? Or how about when you scold him? Does he like that?” Kannan managed a little smile and shook his head. “That’s why God allows trials in your life,” said Mr Wee. “He loves you far more than you love Tippy, and He knows what’s best for you. Learn from the experiences you go through, and trust the Lord, knowing He cares for you.”

Just then Tippy reached up and nuzzled Kannan’s cheek. “You can see Tippy loves you, even though you don’t always treat him the way he’d like you to,” said Mr Wee. “Respond to God in the same way — show that you love Him, too.”

Thought: Do you wonder why God has allowed some trial or problem in your life?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to trust You more so that when troubles come my way, I will not complain but know they are sent my way to strengthen me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.