At first she did not eat. It was her way of protesting the lack of control she had in her unfamiliar surroundings. Since we could not speak her language, her bewilderment over the smallest things was not expressed in words but by glances and gestures. Now, several days into her stay, she spends long hours on the couch. Her petite frame and wispy blonde hair display a certain fragility, but her willingness to trust that we have her best interests at heart is a lesson on faith that I will not soon forget.

This week, as I cared for “Princess,” a relative’s cherished lapdog, I began to see a picture of how God wanted me to act when I am faced with unknown or difficult circumstances. My little canine houseguest modeled what I have long known I needed to do—to trust in The Power that is greater than I am. Despite uncertainty, I must completely rely on the one who has my best interest at heart, and I must do this quickly for a healthy survival!

My trust in God needs to become as my breath is to me.

Trust has always pleased God. The Bible is full of stories where the lack of men’s trust or reliance on God actually angered Him.

“God is not partial to princes, nor does He regard the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of His hands. …..For God’s eyes are upon the ways of a man and He sees all His steps.” Job 34:19, 21

God is partial to only one type of person. He is alert to the person who trusts in Him.

The bible DOES NOT SAY that the affection God has for those who trust Him will cause Him to give the trusting “child” everything he asks for!

This conclusion seems obvious, but “prosperity preachers” often project otherwise.

If I am sincere about my trust and faith in God, then it is basic to my stance of “faith” and “trust” that I DO NOT already have what I am asking God for.

Also, if I am trying to trust God then I must let go of the faulty spiritual “math” formula of “having” and “receiving” victory or good things. If I decide that anything I get from God is because of my own strength or merit, then I pollute the perception of God’s higher ways and intended will or design for me! All of the dust this faulty “trust strategy” kicks up will keep others and myself from seeing the more powerful and miraculous peace I can have (through Him) DESPITE ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. When I trust in myself, others, or certain circumstances, I become guilty of my own misleading, and worse still, I reflect the lie of “self good” into a world already darkened to the One True God.

“The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who put their hope and trust in His loving-kindness. To deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. Let Your loving-kindness, O LORD, be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.” Psalm 33:16-22

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones.” Psalm 3:5-8

There is a whole section in Hebrews that summarizes the faith walk of many Godly men and women—my brothers and sisters who walked before me in time.

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7.”

The words say, “It is impossible to please God without faith and trust.”

After this week’s dog sitting experience, I now have a new aspiration.

I want to be God’s little lap dog—“Princess,” and recline trustingly on His couch. I want to come to Him when He calls. I don’t want Him to have to go “get” me.

Anyone else care to join me? He’s got a big lap!

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28