Stepping Up to the Big Dogs

Stepping Up to the Big Dogs

My neighbor’s dog, Toby, barked constantly. A beagle mix, he bayed at people with dogs and without. He voiced his concerns over anything new or different. He also howled in his house when he was home alone. Massaging my temples, I complained to my husband about the noise and my headache.

But this changed on a Saturday. Toby’s twelve-year-old master, Gabe, took him for a walk. As they progressed around the block, an angry St. Bernard busted out of a home and confronted them. 

He knocked Gabe down and was about to bite—when Toby got in the way.  The Bernard’s teeth sunk deeply into the back of Toby’s neck. He locked his jaws.  Gabe tried to get the huge dog to let go.  

Suddenly, the Bernard’s neighbor appeared with a taser. Bernard had met Mr. Taser in the past and dashed back into his house. Gabe phoned his mom, while the neighbor called the police. This was not the first time Bernard had attacked someone.

Toby spent the night at the animal hospital, and Gabe wouldn’t leave his side. After he was released, Toby refused to eat or drink. He returned to the hospital. Three days passed before he began eating and drinking on his own. The next week, Toby woofed once. As time passed, Toby voiced his concerns again, but not as much or as often.

It’s strange. Now when Toby sounds off, I’m not bothered anymore. I thank God when I hear him. What makes the difference? I understand what he’s been through. I’m glad he’s still here. No one can possibly sneak up on us in our neighborhood. Instead of being a nuisance, Toby is our hero.

There’s a story about another young man who marched into harm’s way when disaster looked unavoidable. David, a young shepherd, stepped in to fight Goliath. He had no guarantee he’d win; and things might have ended badly, but he was not alone. David knew who fought with him.

Did you know that each and every person you meet is fighting a battle?  Everyone has problems and trouble. Maybe you are facing something huge in your life right now.

I have a friend who battles a health issue. She admits she doesn’t have the strength or power to win on her own, but she’s survived five years. We pray, and God sends her the people and help she needs.

This one thing I know: The people who win don’t fight alone. We all need help.  

David said, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by the sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

(1 Samuel 17:47 NIV)

Susan Boltz