The tragic fate of Rich Moore, a 71-year-old hiker from Pagosa Springs, Colorado, resonated deeply with many. In August 2023, Moore embarked on a hike up a towering 12,500-foot mountain and never returned. During an extensive two-month search involving helicopters and countless dedicated search and rescue personnel, hope dwindled. Ultimately, more than 2,000 hours of searching yielded no sign of Moore.
Then, on October 30th, a heartwarming discovery emerged amidst the tragedy. A hunter discovered Moore’s remains, more than two miles from the expected location, where, remarkably, his loyal Jack Russell terrier, Finny, had remained. Throughout the ordeal, having endured the harsh wilderness for over two months, this loyal companion had stood watch. This discovery sparked an outpouring of online condolences for the family and admiration for Finny’s unwavering devotion. (Based on a news story by Steve Janoski and Katherine Donlevy, Published Nov. 13, 2023, 7:26 p.m. ET.)
This unwavering loyalty remarkably illustrates the potential for powerful bonds between humans and animals. More, it prompts us to reflect on the unconditional love and faithfulness often present in our lives, be it from a beloved pet or another source. Perhaps, even, this story serves as a gentle reminder that we are not alone on our journeys, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties we face.
This poignant story of devotion invites us even deeper, to explore the wonder of a God who, himself, is relational: the Craftsman behind the relational nature of our universe. Whether it’s through the unwavering loyalty of a companion animal, the comforting presence of loved ones, or personal connection with God himself, each are glimpses into the heart of the Gentle Lover. Perhaps, by opening our hearts and minds to him more completely, we can find strength and solace in ways that surprise us.
Notice God’s assurance of his unfailing presence:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified… for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV).
God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5, NIV).
We may become absorbed in self-pity or get caught in the frenzied circus of life, but God remains faithful, pursuing us, trying to get our attention, drawing us in. Turning a cold shoulder in his direction only draws more warmth from Him. Yes, it may be hard to see God this way, but it’s true. We cannot stop God from being a loyal friend, faithful companion. We are simply too dear to his heart. In teaching the people about God, Jesus used a father’s love for his children to describe his unconditional, faithful love.
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:9-11, NIV)
Pause. Take a deep breath. Reflect on the picture of God revealed in Jesus’s words. A parent seeks only the best for their child, working diligently to provide for them, despite being naturally prone to self-interest. “How much more” will your Heavenly Father, untainted by even a hint of self-interest, give good gifts to those who ask Him? Chew on that for a moment. What picture do you see of God? In ways only hinted at by little Finny’s devotion, God is present for us every day, every moment. Jesus said God is willing to give good gifts to us if we ask.
What about asking God to remove any blindness that causes you not to see him, his faithfulness, and his loyalty to you? The apostle Paul, writer of much of the New Testament, was once blind. He even stood by and watched a faithful follower of Jesus get stoned to death. Then His eyes were opened and he began to see God’s relentless love that had never failed or abandoned him.
I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38 & 39, NIV)
Would you like to be convinced, like Paul, that nothing in your life today, tomorrow, or in the future, can separate you from the faithfulness and loyalty of God? God wants you to have this certainty. Simply pray, “God, I realize I have not believed your faithfulness as it is my privilege to. Please open my eyes to see, and my heart to believe, even in little ways, your radical love. Thank you!” Then, tell your little, doubting self, you do believe the good news about God that you already know.
Once, while speaking with a young dog lover, who also happened to be a veterinarian assistant, the topic of God’s faithfulness came up. This dog-lover looked at me and said, “You know, I don’t mean for this to sound offensive to God, but maybe that is why dog is God spelled backward.” I don’t think God is offended at all! He probably looked down at that young dog lover and thought, “Wow, someone’s finally getting it!”
Just like Finny never left his master’s side, God will never leave you. Why not make a choice today, to lean into God, allowing his faithfulness to birth in you a responsive heart of faithfulness—one crafted by the very faithful life of Jesus himself?
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For more practical ways to See, Experience, and Live in the middle of God’s radical love, visit us at Loveshaped.life.