Wow! Can you believe we are halfway through the Summer Adventure Series already? I have been enjoying writing this series, and I hope you are enjoying reading the posts. Of course, Ava had to join into the series as she is one of the anchors of the Devotions from Everyday Things series. I hope you enjoy reading about our visit to the veterinarian, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Blessings, Tammy
The Vet Visit
“Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts,” I Thessalonians 2:4, HCSB.
I had the pleasure of taking our dog, Ava, to the veterinarian. It was time for her annual check-up and vaccinations and because she joins us when we travel, she has to be up-to-date on all her shots and records. Since Ava likes the veterinarian so much (insert loads of sarcasm here), when we arrive at the office, I ask for a muzzle. The muzzle does not hurt her, and it protects those who are helping with the examination, as it disrupts Ava’s ability to nip or snap at anyone around the examination table.
I stay with Ava the entire time. I talk quietly to her and I pet her head as the veterinarian and the technicians run the tests, draw blood, examine her joints and give her the shots. The muzzle makes the visit easier and less dangerous for all of us, and Ava leaves without being shamed or disciplined for bad behavior.
There should be times in life—everyday, if we truly lived as we should—when we should go before God, muzzle our mouths and allow Him to examine our hearts. Just like Ava, it is not something we naturally look forward to, but it is necessary for our spiritual health. The veterinarian knew what problems to look for and what tests to run to be sure Ava is healthy. God knows what areas of our lives are causing us to walk in darkness and not in His light and He knows what it takes to reveal that to us (I John 1:5-7). The veterinarian knew which vaccinations Ava needed to protect her from illness and fatal diseases. God knows what truths need to be absorbed into our lives from His Word to protect us from sin and guard our hearts (I Peter 1:3-9). The veterinarian knew where to touch Ava’s joints to see if she had pain or any dislocations that would cause injury. God knows our hearts (I Chron. 29:17, Proverbs 17:3) and He knows where to look to be sure that we are not injuring ourselves with bitterness (Hebrews 12:15).
As we take the time to settle ourselves before our all-knowing, caring Physician, let us understand that He examines us to help us be spiritually healthy and to avoid things that will harm and hurt us. We should be willing to sit quietly before Him—muzzle our desire to justify our behaviors or cover up our sin, and just allow Him to do His work. The end result is a good visit with our spiritual Physician and a healthy heart with which to follow Him.
Thought-provoker: Are we willing to sit quietly before God and allow Him to examine our hearts? Are we willing to change the things He reveals and to do what is necessary to walk healthy in spiritual things?
Lord, please reveal to us where we need spiritual health restored in our lives, where we need to surrender to Your protection and where we need to be quiet as You work in us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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