MOLLY AND ME – BOLDNESS
Molly and me… it’s been quite a while since I wrote about my little teacher and the lessons I learn about our relationship with one another. In her irrepressibly cute “dog-ness”, she has opened my understanding to the intricacies of life with the Father, and the deeper meaning of being a “pet” in God’s household.
Molly fervently believes that what’s mine is also hers. So, when I put a bunny blanket under my bedclothes in preparation for another cold night, she immediately took possession of it. No sooner was she under the blankets when she promptly scraped the bunny blanket into a nest for herself. I was free to sleep under what was left of my blanket!
“What a cheek!” I thought, and then I realised that what she is, I made her, trusting me and being confident in my love for her. I have shared with her whatever is appropriate (and sometimes not so appropriate) and now she is simply taking for granted that she can also share my bunny blanket.
God has assured us time and again in His Word that He has given us everything we need and some, which He calls “all things” to enjoy because of His love for us in Christ Jesus.
“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”
Romans 8:32 NLT
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.”
1 Timothy 6:17 NLT
Why is it, then, that I often hesitate to believe that God is good, that He has planned good things for me, and that I can trust Him to give me everything He has promised?
Perhaps this hits me the hardest when I struggle with issues that require faith and obedience. Why don’t I, like Molly, just take hold of what is mine through Jesus?
When temptation tries to lure me or entangle me, I have recourse to the power of the Spirit in me.
“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.”
Romans 8:12-13 NLT
When I go out into a hostile and unfriendly world, I have God’s favour as a shield.
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.”
Psalms 5:12 NIV
My trust in God is my protection in danger, my hiding place, my Rock of strength and security.
“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” … If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;”
Psalms 91:2, 9-11 NIV
So, thank you. Molly, for showing me just how easy it is to take hold of what is mine in Jesus. In the future, I’ll do what you did, wrap myself in the blanket of God’s faithful promises and enjoy the warmth and protection of all that He has given to me.