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Listen while you read: "Lead Kindly Light"1
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Lamentations 3:22-23 – The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV)
In May, five new members of our family arrived. Five baby pygmy goats tumbled out of their travelling crates and into our corral. As they did so, we all wondered how Agnes, our ancient, eleven-year-old goat, would react to these rambunctious kids. Eleven years for a goat is like ninety for a human.
To our delight, Agnes stepped up to the plate. As she tentatively walked over to inspect them, the kids recognized her as one of their own. From then on, she became their new mother. They now follow her everywhere, looking to her for guidance and respecting the boundaries that she sets for them. During rest periods, the babies troop into the goathouse and lie on the far side, while Agnes lies down on the entrance side to protect them. She bends the young poplar trees down so that they can munch the succulent leaves. She has not only risen to this unexpected challenge in her advanced years, but by so doing, she has also found a new lease on life as she busily and energetically cares for her foster children.
Just as we called Agnes into a new situation, similarly, at the most unexpected times, God has a habit of calling people into situations that challenge them to take up new responsibilities that they feel ill-equipped to handle for any number of reasons, not just age.
Sarah, Abraham, Elizabeth, and Zechariah were all called to parent children at an advanced age. Mary was called to accept the Son of God into her womb though she was a virgin, and her fiancé Joseph was called to be father to this child who was not his own. Elderly Moses was commissioned to lead a nation from slavery to an unknown land. Gideon, who was from the smallest clan in Israel and the least important member of his family, was named commander of a very small army to defeat the Midianites, a ferocious, mighty enemy. However, when Gideon questioned God, "the Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?'" (Judges 6:14 NIV)
The Lord's response says it all. Go in the strength that you have. Take what you do have and go. Why? Because if God is sending us, we can each be assured that as we offer up to Him the strength that we do have, He will ensure that it is enough for us not only to be successful, but also unexpectedly to find a brand-new lease on life. After all, look at how things turned out for Sarah, Abraham, Elizabeth, Zechariah, Moses, Gideon, and so many other biblical heroes who trusted, obeyed, and went.
Prayer: Thank You, Father, that when You call us to go, we can proceed in confidence and strength, knowing that You go with us. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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About the author:
Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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Thank you, Lynne.
I guess those rambunctious kids got Agnes’ goat.
Merci Lynne for the uplifting insights into Judges 6:14. … [act upon what is in your own hand].
Thanks, Lynne. “Go in the strength that you have. Take what you do have and go.” Great advice!
How cute those baby goats must be! Thanks for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
A beautiful story, Lynne! Thanks for sharing this inspirational post and may God continue to bless you and your family!
Thanks, Lynne.
Those baby goats must be a lot of fun. I’m learning, day by day, that God does indeed go with me.
Good day. As always, how grateful I am to read your messages. They are so helpful and relatable.
Bless you and all your family and critters.
Lynne, I can always tell your devotions as soon as I start to read them. God has given you a marvelous ability to convey His truth.
Blessings.
Good afternoon, Lynne.
A new lease on life is always a good thing.
You reminds me of the time we had goats during the war.
Blessings on your weekend.
As I have come to expect, what an example Agnes has been to her new goat responsibilities!! Bless her as she shows motherly wisdom to these new pigmy goats who are probably adorable!
Blessings.
Many thanks Lynne for another of your writings of integrating the positive actions of your pets with how our loving Lord interacts with us and is ever there, giving us the strength and assurance to get through situations. May Agnes continue on for many years yet in overseeing and guiding those young ones in her care. Blessings for these very special writings you prepare.
Hi Lynne,
Today’s devotional is being forwarded to my friend who raises goats here. She will love the story but also the message as she is a devout Baptist!~ In most small Texas towns the Baptists are the single most prevalent denomination. And even though I am not a Baptist, I enjoyed the goat story and the parallels you drew.
Thanks once more.
Good morning, Lynne,
I was pondering your title “The New Lease on Life” and thought maybe it would be about your new location and the great summer you have been having. I never thought you might adopt five baby pygmy goats and Agnes would step up and take charge.
You related it well to so many well-known Bible stories which inspires us all to obey God’s call knowing He is walking with us and providing all that we need. It is like a new lease on life if God is walking with us.
Thanks for sharing and wishing you lots of good times with your family and all the animals that you love. Blessings.
Lynne – your stories hook me in every time. What skill you have. And that Agnes – truly an inspiration to this octogenarian!