Devotional 7.23.20
“My Testimony…”
by Dona Hake
We will continue on meditating upon standing in the presence of our enemies. Many times our hearts can be gripped with fear in the face of danger. God is faithful to show Himself faithful when we trust in Him.
Today I would like to share a testimony that I experienced as a very young believer. I was only about twenty years old, and I worked as a receptionist for a photo lab and corporation. In the winter months it would be dark by 5 PM when my day ended. I did not own a car so I depended on people giving me a ride home during those dark days. Then came the evening when everyone left before me, and I realized I have no one to ask to give me a ride home. I lived in an apartment in a very bad section of the city and I did not like the thought of walking home those six long blocks in the dark.
Prior to this evening when I would walk , and it was still daylight, there was this huge dog that would sit on his porch, and he would always come and greet me. I always looked forward to being with him at the end of my work day. He loved how I would talk to him and pet him. I would say goodbye to him and be on my way.
Then came that evening when it was pitch dark, and I had to walk home alone. I was nervous yet I tried to remain calm and pray as I walked. As I passed this home where this dog lived he promptly came down over the steps and I stopped to pet him but this time he did not go back to his porch but he persisted to stay by my side for those six long blocks. It was if he sensed my fear. As I neared my apartment there was a particular block that was known to have danger and a lot of crime . I heard a gang of guys and they were walking towards me and yelling at me and my heart began to really be tempted to fear. But they just did not come near me…instead they turned and went the other way.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that when they saw that huge dog close by my side, they decided to go the other direction. As soon as I got to the street where my apartment was, the dog turned around and walked those long six blocks back to his home. Yes, I believe this was the Lord‘s hand upon me using that dog to protect me. I worried about that dog getting home safely. Sure enough the next day he was there on his porch ready to greet me again!
Even though I walked that dark walk home that evening, and my heart was very tempted to fear, my Lord let me know how He was going to take care of me. I can still remember how closely that dog stayed by my side, and the confidence and protection I felt as he stayed near me. It showed me to never try to figure out how God is going to move in my life. I hope this testimony encouraged your heart.
“Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.”
Psalm 23:4 – The Passion Translation
Psalm 23:4 – The Passion Translation