Recently, we had a scare.

Out of nowhere, our Old English Bulldog, Gus, showed signs of hind leg weakness. Although he is nine years old and joint issues are common with older dogs, it took us by surprise. Just one week before, he finished a three-mile hike like a champ, and the “zoomies” are a daily occurrence with him.

So, when he began awkwardly half-sitting, scooting his butt around, and changing positions every few seconds, we could tell he was uncomfortable and likely in pain. He also looked confused—and who wouldn’t be when your body suddenly stops working the way it always has?!

Thinking he might have pulled a muscle, we waited another day, but he didn’t improve. It was time to see the vet.

If you are at all an animal person, you will understand when I tell you I cried. And I prayed. I was not ready to lose our sweet, loving boy with his one-of-a-kind bulldog personality.

Oh! The relief I felt when the vet diagnosed him with a slipped disc in his back. Not that a slipped disc was in any way okay, but it was treatable. For the next three weeks, we were to give him two different pills—one for pain and the other, a sedative. And, no walks or any strenuous activity.

Unfortunately, the latter did not sit well with Gus.

As soon as the pain meds kicked in, it was GO time. After barely moving for a few days, his energy level went from 0 to 100 and he wanted to do anything but stay still. In typical Gus fashion, he begged for a W-A-L-K. (Yes, we have to spell it or he will go bananas.)

It also didn’t help that the sedatives only made him more hyper and the vet had to prescribe a different type—which, to be honest, still didn’t keep him as lethargic as we’d hoped for proper healing.

Looking at the Big Picture

For three weeks, Gus begged and we said NO. For three weeks, he pouted at us for not getting what he wanted.

What Gus didn’t understand, and we couldn’t tell him, was that the pain pills might have made him feel better, but they didn’t instantly heal him. His body still needed time to repair itself to prevent future injury or even paralysis! The vet told us it was possible Gus could eventually lose all mobility in his hind legs and the only options would be: wheelchair, expensive surgery, or putting him to sleep.

But, all Gus knew was how he felt in the moment and what he wanted to do in the moment. Walking, playing with toys, running around the house… it all seemed fine to him.

My initial reaction was frustration toward Gus. We knew what was best for him. We saw the big picture. Why couldn’t he stay still? Why wouldn’t he listen? Of course, he was only acting on his doggy nature, but that is how I felt.

And then, it hit me. I do the same thing with God.

My Best vs. God’s Best

How often do I move energetically toward something I want to do because it just feels right? Or, because I’m impatient.

I’m not talking about sinning, either. I mean the times when a decision or opportunity seems, on the surface, okay to pursue. Yet… Did I pray about it? Did I scan the situation for any red flags or did I ignore them? Did I consider the long-term affects? Or, did I simply want my way, no delay?

How many times do we all rush headlong into what we want with zero consideration for any of the above?

I can’t answer that for you, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it resonates. No judgment! I just know we’re all human.

God Knows What’s Best for Me

Despite all the times God has proven His way is best, I still need reminders.

I still need to daily surrender my wants to God. My way to God. And, ultimately my will. Because it’s the will that gets us. I can’t tell you how many times in my life I’ve attempted to “will” something to happen, in my own strength and with my own strategic plan.

It’s not that we can’t make plans or even act on them. God only wants us to let go of the outcome.

“People can plan what they want to do, but it is the Lord who guides their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ERV)

If He directs our steps in a different direction than when we first started out, we trust Him. Or, at least, that’s what should happen. That’s what I’m continuously working toward.

Why Is It Important to Trust God?

Let me share two reasons why we should surrender what we want and trust God’s way over our own:

1. To gain contentment.
   • Psalm 37:4-5 (NLT) — “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
   • Philippians 4:11-13 (ERV) — “[11] I am telling you this, but not because I need something. I have learned to be satisfied with what I have and with whatever happens. [12] I know how to live when I am poor and when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of how to live through any kind of situation—when I have enough to eat or when I am hungry, when I have everything I need or when I have nothing. [13] Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.”
   • 1 John 2:17 (ERV) — “The world is passing away, and all the things that people want in the world are passing away. But whoever does what God wants will live forever.”
2. To receive God’s best for us.
   • Ephesians 3:20 (ERV) — “With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. “
   • Isaiah 55:8-9 (ERV) — “[8] The LORD says, ‘My thoughts are not like yours. Your ways are not like mine. [9] Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts are higher than your thoughts.'”
   • Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) — “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'”

By no means are these the only two reasons to trust God, but they are important ones. God is THE source of our contentment. His best for us is far greater than the “best” we settle for when we give in to impatience and instant gratification.

A Lesson from My Dog

We want what’s best for Gus, and that may mean limiting his beloved W-A-L-Ks when necessary. Of course, when we do, he won’t like it.

But sometimes, the things we don’t like—and the things we want—won’t lead to our best lives. We just can’t see it for ourselves. Only God can.

His ways… His plans… His care for us… far surpasses our own understanding and what we think will make us happy.

If only we will trust Him.