A metaphor:
“When your dog was a puppy, he survived sickness and death. In spite of being the smallest of the litter, he would overpower the larger puppies to mother’s milk. He has always been aggressive, so you named him Sparky. His aggressive actions have always maintained dominance over other larger and more powerful dogs, by not retreating and running away.
Even though he was smart, he was also self willed and hard to train. He was also easily distracted, and becoming emotionally aggressive toward other animals, to the point of being out of control. Without restraints he became uncontrollable and even unpredictable. As a watch-dog without fear, he was, and is aggressive toward unknown intruders who invade his territory.
Like you and others like you, with your natural traits and abilities, the master (God) had to train you into disciplined maturity.
Eventually discipline, maturity and teach-ability became evident, as Sparky became more controllable, and could be trusted with some freedom. As he responded correctly, according to his masters will and discipline, he was allowed to have more freedom to prove his obedient trustworthiness. So also, it is with you, in your relationship to Me.
As Sparky consistently proved his obedience, he also displayed a desire to please his master. Every where the master went he wanted to follow and be with him. It didn’t matter where, when or what the circumstances or conditions were like, for his only desire was to be with his master.
Being left, Sparky displays that he is upset and tries to change the master’s mind. But when the master returns, Sparky shows him excitement and affection. Wherever he goes with the master, he shows excitement. Sparky so loves being with the master, that constantly he wants to know where he is at, and stay with him.
As long as he knows the master is there, he is at peace, content, and willing to be at rest, because the master loves him and takes care of all his needs. Likewise I Am the Good Sheppard (master) who is with you, and takes care of you.
Unlike people, he doesn’t worry about the future, or how he will survive, but seeks after the masters love, affection and pleasing him. Because the master has always taken care of him, he doesn’t worry, and trusts in him to take care of his needs.”
Even as I set here in prayer, writing this, Sparky watches me, and in a peaceful environment, he closes his eyes to sleep, without worry. We have been bonded together and have learned to trust each other. So is it with my father God who loves me and takes care of me.
God has shown me that His ways are evident in creation, and even my dog can be an inspiration to teach me about my relationship with Him.