Lisa Hetzel

I’m an obedience school dropout. I know, we probably should have stuck it out, but our six month old Dachshund, affectionately named Dipstick, just wasn’t ready.

Her enthusiasm was never the issue. She couldn’t wait to scramble through the parking lot to get to class. The problem was with cooperation. The instructor told us that the first thing that we needed to establish was leadership with our pet. Weekly classes involved activities establishing our role as the “Alpha.”

It’s not as easy as it sounds. Instead of quietly submitting to me as I held her in my arms, she squirmed and knocked chairs down. When others would sit and wait for a treat near their nose, my four legged friend would dig in my pocket for more. Occasionally, she would forget that she wanted to be a puppy and would actually sit or stay. Most of the time, however, it was a wrestling match. I’m sure that we were a sight to behold: Me, a grown forty-something woman with a foot in a cast and her, a fourteen pound furry tail-wagging wonder.

I promise. We really did do our homework. We practiced. I rewarded appropriate behavior. But, she simply didn’t want to submit to anyone yet.

Then, it dawned on me. Sometimes, no matter how much we lead someone, they will not trust in God until they are ready. I found true peace when I realized that God is my alpha. I can completely trust in Him to lead me, teach me and supply all of my needs. Following His will does not diminish my identity, it reveals who I am.
Unlike my pooch, I will choose to lie in His arms and follow His voice.

Dear Lord,
Left on my own, I might do well. I might even do something remarkable. But with you, Oh Lord, leading me, I can do so much more. Please help me to follow you, my Alpha, all the days of my life.

Did you ever play the game “knock knock”? One person says “knock, knock.” The other says, “Who’s there”? In our own lives, Jesus knocks and waits for our response.

In Revelation 3:20, John says that the Son of God tells us, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

In my life, God has made Himself known through incredible circumstances and opportunities. Do you want to have a more intimate relationship with Jesus? Do you want to know that He hears you and answers your prayers when you knock?

Check out my friends’ newly released book, Six Prayers God Always Answers. Jennifer Schuchmann and Mark Herringshaw reveal very simple ways to realize God’s constant presence. Click on the book for more information.