Out To Get You - Day 197 Month 7-15 Week 29-1
Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)
1 Samuel 18, Proverbs 8:1-11, Ezekiel 3, Acts 24
Out to Get You
Do you ever sense that someone is out to get you? It could be a boss, a neighbour, town leadership, the building inspector, or maybe someone in a competitive sport who sees you as an easy target. I am fortunate that I have seldom experienced this personally. People generally find me “likeable.” However, it is not always people who seem to be out to get us.
I experience it in different ways. Our dog Jake has always had health problems. He has allergies to what feels like almost everything. One of his ears seems to have a constant infection. Unfortunately, antibiotics have been used so often that they are no longer effective in treating it. His ear issues have made him a regular visitor at the veterinarian's office, to the point that everyone there knows him well. If he has not been in for more than a month, they greet him as though a grandson has come to visit.
This morning, I got up and went about my usual chores when Jake started vigorously shaking his head. It went on and on, and even while I was walking him, he stopped every few seconds to shake it again. When we returned home, Sylvia heard the commotion and came downstairs to see what was bothering him. As soon as she looked in his ear, she could see it was inflamed. We did our best to clean it. I held him while Sylvia worked. The cleaning did not immediately stop the flapping, but he has slowly settled down and is now quietly lying on the floor. Of course, after cleaning his ear, Sylvia called the vet, and Jake will be back for another visit today.
As soon as the vet is contacted, my mind starts imagining our bank account being drained. Still, we are committed to Jake and we love him. As long as he is with us, we will do whatever we can to give him a good life. I am sure Jake feels as though his ear is out to get him, and he probably knows that every time it starts itching, he is headed back to the vet to be poked and prodded once again.
Sylvia and I are retired now. We live on a fixed income and, although it is more than many people have, we still have to keep to a budget. We try to plan for Jake's needs and set aside money for his veterinary care. Sometimes it would be nice to have a couple of bonus months when Jake does not cost us quite so much. Those funds could certainly be used for other things.
King Saul was out to get David. In our reading today, we read how Saul was insulted when women sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Samuel 18:7). Saul turned against David, tried to pin him to the wall with a javelin, and sent him on assignments that he hoped would lead to David's death. Instead, David succeeded in everything he was asked to do. Saul was actually afraid of David.
If you feel that someone is out to get you, or if, like me, you are dealing with a recurring problem with your dog or an illness, you can take courage in knowing that God sees your circumstances and has not forgotten you. In David's case, he eventually became king. In our case, Jake will one day be gone, but we will remember the love and joy he brought into our home. The cost of caring for him will seem like a small price to pay for all that he gave us.
The same God who walked with David through his struggles still invites us into a relationship with Him today. You may be facing an illness that cannot be overcome. There is, however, something you can do to ensure that your life has purpose and hope. If you have never done so, ask Jesus to come into your life. Recognize that you cannot do it on your own. Become a child of the King. Life in His kingdom awaits, and it can begin right now.
If you would like to know more, please contact me. My email is below.
Have a great day!
Steve
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