Hi Folks,
So most of you know by now that I love my dog Ralf. I love bringing him to the office during the week. I love that he is on the greeting team Sunday mornings. I love that he makes so many of you happy when you see him. I love having him sit on my lap at night as I watch a game on TV. I love how he makes my kids happy and adds joy to my home. I love my dog. In fact my theology tells me that when we have a pal who is an animal we get a glimpse back into what Eden was like when Adam and Eve walked in community with all of nature. Ralf gives me a small glimpse back into the garden and a glimpse of what heaven will be like when all things will be restored.
The Bible tells us in John 10:10 that the thief (that is Satan) comes to steal kill and destroy. The enemy loves to rob us of the good things the Lord has in store for us. Yesterday the devils hand was revealed. He is trying to destroy and kill some of my and my families joy. Ralf went in for a routine vet visit. They took a blood sample then some x rays and discovered he has all the signs of kidney failure. I left the office shocked and stunned as the vet told us Ralf only had one month to live. That stinks and it stinks of Satan. He has come to steal, kill, and destroy.
After some initial grieving with the family, we decided to take this to the King of Kings who blessed me and my family with a love of dogs. The Word says in James that the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. The Word says in 2 Corinthians that we are righteous because of Christ. Therefore our prayers are powerful and effective. So Kristy and I and all the Link kids gathered around Ralf, laid hands on him and prayed for his kidneys to be well and for him to gain some weight. There might be a day down the road where we need to grieve. But we pray and hope that that day is 15 or more years down the road. For now we walk in faith and hope and in the peace of Christ.
To transfer this to you – if you are a Christ follower your prayers are powerful and effective. On this side of Eden and before heaven Satan is at work. Many of you know first hand the work of the thief. Here’s my word to you. Pray. Pray. And then pray some more.
Peace and Joy
Rob
February 17, 2010 at 2:56 am |
I will be praying for Ralf’s healing and comfort for Ralf and your family.
In His Hands…
February 24, 2010 at 9:39 pm |
I too pray for Ralf’s healing. God cares for all His creation.
March 2, 2010 at 1:32 am |
I’m so sorry to hear about Ralf. I know all too well the stress and worry that comes along with a diagnosis I don’t want to hear. It doesn’t matter how old our beloved pets are (mine is quite elderly) the hurt is all the same. My prayers will be with your family and with Ralf. Not a sparrow falls from the sky that our Father doesn’t know about. He loves Ralf, too.