I have had many opportunities in my life where I have said to God “ I am doing all I know to do, the rest is up to you” Well, when Delilah gave birth to a puppy that could not suck and swallow, I did all I knew to do. I researched online and talked to my vet. I started tube feeding the little guy when he was two days old. I tried bottle feeding a few times but he would choke and gag. Yesterday he weighed almost 2 pounds while his litter mates weigh 5. I continued to tube feed him, but last night he took a turn for the worse and died. I feel so bad. I honestly thought when he was big enough to chew and swallow he would be okay. When life doesn’t go as we plan, I remember this scripture:
Isaiah 40:28-31. Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
My hope is in the Lord, and I rely on Him for every single part of my life. I feel like I did all I knew to do for this little puppy yet he did not survive. Am I a failure? Has the Lord forsaken me? NO! I am not a failure, because I continue to do my best. The Lord has not forsaken me…He lifts me up and carries me through these difficult times on earth. His arms are open wide to cover me and protect me. He doesn’t go around zapping us out of every bad situation. If He did, this would be heaven. Instead He provides strength when we are weak. He will never leave me nor forsake me, and as I continue to do my best in every area of my life, He is with me. Emmy started giving birth at 1:00 a.m. and I am reminded of the wonders I experience almost every day. What a wonderful feeling it is to start fresh this morning with new life!