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Good morning, dear reading friends. This morning, I want to share some thoughts on a situation that occurred on the farm recently. I had a sheep attempting to give birth, and this was not new to her. As a matter of fact, she is my best mama; caring tenderly for her own. But, this time was different. I knew when I walked into the pasture that something was wrong. I sensed she was in trouble. As she lay on the ground, grinding her teeth, pushing, and bawling in pain, I knew I had to do whatever I could to help her.
All the messy details are not necessary. I will just say that the lamb was not able to be born on his own, as he was breach; butt first. I quickly sat on the ground to help deliver this little one. After much agony on both of our parts, and the help of a family member, he was delivered, but he was dead. I figured that much. Low and behold, there came a second lamb. She was a beautiful, black little girl, looking just like her mom…also dead. So heartbreaking! But to my surprise, a third lamb, and this little guy made quite a grand appearance with his thrashing around. Elation! A live one. I had concerns, though.
I wondered if the pain mama had just endured may take a toll on her, and indeed, she had some nerve damage for a few days. She wanted nothing to do with her little boy. I guess you know that he came to the mountain so I could bottle feed him. Well, almost impossible! He wanted nothing to do with the bottle, and I'm not ignorant to the tricks to make a little guy drink. But, no! He wanted his mama.
Back to the farm, we went. This time, mama was walking better and I decided whether she wanted to or not, she was going to feed this little guy. I tried pressing her against a wall, so that he could nurse. Her reaction? She would just lay down. Okay, then! Out to the pasture she went, and I let the little one go with her. He should have been all but dead by now, but seemed to have a spirit that just wouldn't take no for an answer. Mama wasn't kicking him away, merely running away from him. It never phased him and he continued to pursue her. What tenacity he had to keep on, knowing she didn't want him.
Long story short…It is now five days later, and as I drove past the farm, I witnessed the most beautiful, picture perfect scenario. Mama and baby, standing still while he nursed. Mama was quite content now to stand there and care for her little guy. He won her heart with his insistence, with his faithfulness to her when there was none in return.
Do you see where I'm going with this today, friend? Only God, our Father never runs from us. Quite the opposite. He lovingly cares for each of us, while He patiently waits for us to come and be by His side. He cares for us and comforts us in our times of pain. He knows when we've wandered far enough. He calls out to us in ways that we recognize it is He who calls. We turn and run to Him for strength and nourishment. We do know where we belong. It is by His side. It is with Him watching over us, protecting us from all of life's perils. He is my Shepherd, and I have all I need in Him. He will lead me beside still waters and to green, lush pastures. He will lead me on the right paths for His honor. He renews and strengthens me. And even in those dark times of life we all face, I will fear no evil, because He walks with me and comforts me. (Psalm 23, paraphrased, mine).
What are you facing today, dear friend? Can you sense your Savior walking closely with you? Can you truly say that if all else fails in this life, that He is all you need? Do you trust Him to lead you to the right paths for His name's sake? Can you trust Him to bring renewal and strength to your aching soul? And while often, it may get worse before it gets better, can you maintain peace in your heart, simply because your faith is in Him to lead and protect you?
You know, life is short and eternity is long. How are we living out our days here on earth? Some of you reading this morning are realizing the brevity of this life, as the golden years have circled around you. Are you satisfied with how you've lived out your days? Or are you disappointed and have regrets about all the unfulfilled desires of your heart? As long as there's breath, there's hope, friend! I pray that as the sun is fading on the days of our lives, I pray that each of us will know the importance of loving well, of shepherding lost souls, and of bringing honor to God all the days of our earthly lives. Let's stay close to our Father's side,and live with the same tenacity as my little lamb had in pursuit of his mother. I promise you, it is so worth all the effort. Just ask my little lamb! The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all I need.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.