We know that God works to help those people who love him. He uses everything that happens to them to bring something good. He does this for those people that he has chosen to serve him.

Romans 8:28 EASY

I wrote before about my small dog, Buddy, that was attacked by another dog. This happened on a Sunday morning shortly before we were to leave for church. My husband, John, was walking our dog down the street. A big, muscular dog grabbed our dog in his mouth, shook him fiercely from side to side and finally dropped him. In all of this, the stray dog’s teeth sank into John’s hand, leaving behind several puncture wounds.

We were all shaken that morning. John transported Buddy to the vet before getting his own wounds assessed at urgent care. I proceeded to church to teach our class.

Buddy was badly injured. We were told he might not survive. Buddy stayed several days at the vet as he struggled to live. So many people prayed for us and Buddy during the following weeks. God opened my eyes to a little of what He was doing, not only in our lives, but in the lives of others who prayed.

Because the attack had happened Sunday morning, our class found out about it when I arrived. They prayed and contacted us during the week to check on Buddy and John. We connected in a richer way with several of the class members as a result.

A family friend’s life was shaken by a heartbreaking event. While navigating the subsequent emotions, she found out about Buddy’s injuries and prayed for him. The updates I sent uplifted her as she worked through her own pain.

A young man prayed for Buddy to live. He is a baby Christian, someone not far along in spiritual maturity. This young man’s faith in God was bolstered as God answered his prayers for our dog.

God, you care about everything in our lives. Thank you for using all things for your glory and your purposes, even dogs.

Terri Vardeman