Who would think that this cute little calf could be the source of such anxiety? It all started with his birth. His mom is a heifer (a cow that has not given birth yet), and my husband had to assist in a difficult delivery. The shell shocked mom wanted nothing to do with this little “thing” that in her eyes, just tried to kill her, so she left him lying on the ground while she tried to work through her own pain and confusion.
It was almost dark when I introduced myself to the little strong willed, chocolate-colored calf. “Everything is going to be alright little fella” I said to him, praying that I was right, and realizing that if I wasn’t, that I was not sure that I could bare one more loss. I vigorously cleaned him off with a towel, and this triggered his instinct to stand. He tried, but even with my help, his traumatic entry into the world had left him exhausted. After a shot of vitamins and an oral dose of nutrients, I left him to rest while I went to help take care of his mother.
Although mom did great after she got some pain relief, and the calf was up and nursing, the problems for this little one were just beginning. Over the next week he became dehydrated after a bought with scours. We got through the worst of that, and then he developed pneumonia. This little one has faced some hard battles in his short time here on earth.
I can say with certainty, that this little calf has had more than his fair share of setbacks, and I must admit that I have experienced his setbacks too. But don’t we all go through difficult times?
Have you been facing what seems like one problem after another? Does it seem like it has been forever since life has just been “normal”? Do you sometimes feel like you just can’t take “one more bad thing”?
God knew that in this is world of tribulation that this is exactly how we would feel. He also knew that our adversary would use our own minds against us. Worry, anxiety, and fear. These are powerful weapons used against us, and only we can chose to replace those feelings with faith.
Like farming, life has its triumphs, and its tribulations. There are mountain tops, and there are valleys, but as long as we learn to cast our cares on the Lord, we will have peace no matter what our circumstances are.
1 Peter 5:6-8 (NKJV)
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
