“and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Cor. 5:15 NKJV
“Gracie, how did we come across you? This wasn’t mommy’s plan, Gracie,” I told Gracie as I finished changing paralyzed doggy Mr. Simeon’s diaper and disabled Gracie came up to me for some love and attention. Gracie, of course, wasn’t about to answer. She’s a special needs streets ministry doggy who is a loving part of Walk by Faith Ministry, after all. But I already knew the answer.
Twenty plus years of dog rescue. I had been on my way to pick up paralyzed Miss Mercy from a shelter where she’d been brought after being hit by probably a truck. On the way, at a gas station, I was told by the manager there a dog had been dumped there and hit by two cars on the same day. Gracie. Six weeks later, after numerous attempts to rescue her, by God’s grace alone, she was rescued. Years later now, I’m on the road for Jesus and ministry with 4 streets ministry handicapped doggies out on the streets with me.
Is there a message in this for you? And me? Yes! I did NOT plan on getting Gracie. I did NOT plan on doing years of dog rescue. I did NOT plan on being called to start a ministry for Jesus. I did NOT even plan on becoming a Christ follower. And I did NOT plan on selling my house, giving almost everything away, and hitting the road full-time for Jesus. Nor did I plan to do streets ministry and write and publish Gospel tracts, devotionals, and books.
But my life belongs to the Lord Jesus Christ, and I do NOT plan my life anymore. I surrender myself to Jesus, and to His plans I submit myself. Not for my glory. For the glory of Christ, AMEN!