God Hears A Yearning Heart

When I was a child of four and a half years old we had a Beagle puppy named, Lucky. He was like my shadow, everywhere I went Lucky was constantly at my side. One day after hanging the laundry out to dry my mother opened the door to come in the house. She did not know Lucky was waiting for the door to open. He bolted out the door and ran through our yard to the street right into the line of traffic. My mother ran after Lucky and tried to reach him. Sadly, he was struck by a car. All too quickly Lucky was gone. I missed him and cried for a long time. My parents vowed we would never have another dog; and we never did have one.

Growing up I was allowed to have cats and I once had a rabbit, but never another dog. I began to make a weekly trips to the library to bring home books about dogs. I studied them, and decided if I could ever have a dog I would have a Pomeranian. They were small dogs, intelligent, and made great companions. Although it seemed unlikely I would ever be able to afford a dog of this caliper I couldn't help admiring them. Being a purebred they were very expensive not only because of the breeding but because of the standards of the American Kennel Club. They specified among purebred dogs which ones were acceptable to be registered in the club. So I only dreamed of having one of these magnificent little creatures. My desire was tucked away in the closet of my heart; life continued to go on.

When I married my husband he owned a dog who was an Australian and Golden Retriever mix. The dogs name was Pete. Pete was such a dandy dog! Loyal, comical, and big! However, he was an old dog whose hips were giving out; Pete was in excruciating pain. We spent one weekend carrying Pete up and down the stairs to bring him outside. It was no easy chore because Pete weighed ninety five pounds. We did it because we loved him. We knew the end was near when the veterinarian arrived. We stayed with Pete until the end. There, in our kitchen, Pete left us and returned to his Creator. Even now, nearly seven years later we have our moments of grief, but speak of Pete with a great fondness. We know we will see him again.

We were dog less for a few years until Shiloh came into our lives. A breeder did not want her, so our daughter brought her home. She was a German Shepherd and beautiful! You can read how God used Shiloh. The date is July 7, 2009 “A Lesson in Obedience” on the pull down menu. Shiloh was with us for four years. She had a difficult time in the city. Noises confused her and she had outgrown our small yard. There was nowhere to run her, and she became aggressive if anyone came near me. The decision was made by my husband to put Shiloh up for adoption. I had to agree with him because she was a strong dog. It took all I could do to handle her. We would have kept her forever, but there were many factors we needed to consider. The bottom line was we needed to do what was right for Shiloh.

Our Shiloh was adopted by a young couple who owned a fifty acre farm. Although we do not know where she is, the adoption kennel told us Shiloh had found her forever home. We missed her terribly but we were overjoyed Shiloh was at peace. She had a place to run to her heart's content. She would grow strong and live a happy life. Still our hearts were broken, the house was not the same without a dog.

I did not pray for another dog. I found myself online looking at pictures of Pomeranians as well as other dogs. I remember one day thinking, “Lord, it’s in Your hands.” Life continued for a while without a dog in our home.

My husband and I attended our grandson’s first birthday party. The woman who helped us find a home for Shiloh was there. During our conversation I mentioned how lonely our house was without a dog. She said, “I have a dog you can have. She is a Pomeranian, she is seven years old and her name is Morgan. She is a purebred and I’ll give you her papers.” Morgan came to live with us in July.

God used this woman to give me a dog I had been wanting since childhood. I was struck with a sense of awe at what God had done. He had opened the little door in my heart and saw my desire and heard the yearning of my heart. I am reminded of Psalm 44:21”…For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.” Yet, the Holy Spirit continued to echo in my spirit, “Delight thyself also in the LORD and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

The Hebrew word for “delight" does not mean great joy or pleasure. Its meaning is illustrated in an example of soft clay in the hands. The clay is squeezed until it pushes between the fingers and wraps around them. It is when God squeezes believers to mold them into His desire; He looks for pliability not resistance. He looks for surrender not holding out. He looks for love and obedience, not anger; He looks for humility and not pride. God knows all about me, and He knows about you, too. I never prayed for a dog, yet God knew my desire hidden in a closet in my heart.

Never give up your yearnings, your dreams, or your desires. Get into God’s word and obey it. Follow Jesus’ example and delight to do God’s will. Psalm 40:8 Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance on a straight path. Psalm 5:8 Wait patiently for God to work. It took years and several dogs until God brought Morgan to me. It was His time, and in His way this came about. It was all God; I had nothing to do with it. Don’t ever give up believing God will not bless you.

Jesus asked the two blind men who followed Him wanting to receive their sight, “Believe ye that I am able to do this?” We must answer in the affirmative for His word promises He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we are able to ask or think according to the power that works in us. Matthew 9:28; Ephesians 3:20 Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

Make the Lord your delight your joy, your pleasure; allow Him to squeeze you like soft clay and mold you into His child. Wait and see what He will do, He is faithful; He gives us all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

Author ~ Joyce Andrews Bickel
www.mycalvaryslove.com