Training Trials

Enjoy this Devotional by FlourishWriters Student Anna Gibson

“Count it all joy,” I mutter under my breath, coaxing Daisy the Labrador out our door onto the early morning lawn. A spring breeze refreshes my face. A mockingbird razzes, foreshadowing trouble ahead. 

“Come on, Good Girl, we can do this!” I urge as she pauses to sniff a bush. Have you ever noticed that the “little” struggles often knock us down the hardest?

Armed with my bag of tasty cheese cubes, I lure my dog across the street, down to the first corner. There, she plants her back end hard on the pavement. This puppy has a mind of her own.

“Let’s go,” I beg. “Look! It’s cheese! You love cheese!” Still, Daisy doesn’t budge. I toss a piece a few steps ahead, and Daisy jerks the leash out of my hand—hard. She lunges, then gulps the cheese. Lurching forward, I grab the leash. My ankle twists under my weight. Pain shoots up my arm as my hand scrapes the pavement. I look around furtively, wondering which neighbor saw my clumsiness. Clinging to the leash, I relent. Trudging back to the house, I moan, “I quit!”

Oh, how we hate these troublesome battles in our paths. Compared to my husband’s surgeries or Mom’s memory loss, an obstinate puppy seems trivial. But it feels like the last straw as well.

I try to recall that verse from my Bible. Why should I count these little trials as pure joy? I think they are supposed to produce perseverance within. 

Re-entering our home, I hate telling my family we failed again. I surely don’t think joyful thoughts or thank God for this stubborn puppy of mine. And yet, our patient Father works even when we are as resistant as mules to His training techniques.

Surely I am smarter than a dog, aren’t I? This challenge enters my mind. I wonder if these little challenges in our lives hold unique temptations to “do it ourselves”? With big troubles, we recognize our insufficiency. We ask God for help. He graciously provides for our needs. 

With the small stuff, we are tempted to say, “I’ve got this,” when really, we don’t. You may similarly struggle in your role as a parent, employee, or friend. When we go it alone, we often end up on a dead-end street.

The next day, I change a few things. First, I pray. Second, I realize I am out of my league. Calling our dog trainer, I receive counsel and try a few techniques involving a delayed breakfast. 

That morning, disappointment continues. The next day, Daisy obeys. Our walk is achieved! Twenty minutes later, Daisy and I enter the house exuberantly. Sweet success! I call the whole family to praise our pup as she receives her victory breakfast bowl of kibbles.

Perseverance has a lot of work to do in a stubborn student. The lesson goes far beyond a puppy or parenting problem. God is at work on us. He is exceedingly creative, patient, and talented in achieving His goals. While I train my dog, He trains me, helping my walk become more sure-footed.

The Bible tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5 NIV).

Don’t miss these small opportunities! Ask and you will receive. When we pray for the “small stuff,” God provides answers we don’t think of on our own. He gives joy in the journey. He supplies endurance to keep on trying and not give up. He turns our frustrations into growth opportunities. He leads us faithfully, bringing results we didn’t even know we needed into our lives.

A new morning dawns. I snap Daisy’s harness in place as she steps expectantly toward the door. Many days have passed. She knows I am in charge. My eyes rise to meet the early morning sky. Gold and fuchsia tints display the glory of the One who guides my steps. I remember another verse from the book of James: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17 NIV).

I thank the Father for this beautiful morning. I thank Him for the gift of my puppy. I thank Him for silly trials that train me to walk more closely with Him. May He meet you in the places you walk as you lift your eyes and ask for help. God is ready and willing to guide your every step.

Anna Gibson is a homeschool mama, teacher, writer, and Christ follower. When not breaking karate boards with her teens or playing bass with her worship-team family, Anna attempts to capture life’s beauty through words. She writes to accent God’s grace through the struggles, the dark places, and the ordinary days of life. Connect with her at  https://www.facebook.com/anna.gibson.9/ and hopewrestles.com.