Galatians 4:4 (NKJV)
4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
God has a plan. Most of the time, we don’t understand. He could have sent Jesus at any time but He chose the right time and place. But when the fullness of time has come, God will initiate that plan. Things seem to just happen out of nowhere. To us, it seems strange but as we look back, we see how things fit together perfectly. Habakkuk 2:3 ESV says “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” God has a plan!
God sends what you need when you need it even though you may not even know the need yet. Dogs appearing, working late, traffic and other things are all God’s timing. He needs to get you where you need to be in His plan at the precise time He wants you there for His reasons. Maybe it is to meet the love of your life. Perhaps he knows you need a faithful companion to cheer you up. He might want you to meet someone who will benefit your future. Or, you might be the answer to someone’s miracle and your gifts and talents are just what they need. Whatever the reason, God has a plan.
Taco appeared at a time that we needed a dog. Our first foster son found him in a park just before coming to visit us for the weekend. I did not want him to bring the dog because I know I would be “stuck” with him if I allowed the visit. I never want another dog because of the pain of losing them. I am always the one who takes them to be put down when needed and it hurts. You know the rest of the story. Taco, a 4 pound Chihuahua, came to live with us for the next two years. He needed a home and we (according to God) needed a dog. Who rescued who? What a sap I am for a cute puppy face.
We lost Taco two years later but he passed peacefully with a smile on his face. Our friends lost their dog and were devastated. I know how they feel. Been there; done that; got the tee shirt! I wrote an Encouragement Daily about the loss of a pet and a funny thing happened. Another friend wrote and shared her story about a dog appearing in her life at a time she needed comfort and remained with her for years to be her faithful friend. She wrote me this long story which brought tears to my eyes which salted my breakfast. She is smart enough to know Puppy was a gift from God to help her along the road. I believe that dogs are angels that God sends to care for and protect us as we walk this life and face challenges. The look of a dog’s eyes speaks to us in ways words cannot even touch. I see God in Milo, our present resident canine angel (a.k.a. Smilo – he actually smiles). Be open to the things God sends into your life. He knows what you need before you know. He always gives you what is best for you even though you may not like it. But remember, God has a plan!
Lord God, thank You for Your plan to bless us in all things. You refine us through trials but help us along the way. You send us what we will need to pass through the valley to the table You have prepared for us on the other side. Thank You that you send Your furry angels to walk with us and make the journey more pleasing. They show us what unconditional love really means. Help us to love like that. In Your name we pray! Amen!