Combine the face of a puppy with the cuddly Koala bear, and you get a Shih Tzu named Rufus. He’s perfection in animal form. But be advised, before rushing out to buy yourself a “Rufus,” God might speak through this charming pet to challenge you in a way you may never expect. If you look beyond his adorable little face and deep into his eyes … you might see something familiar: a reflection of the needs and weaknesses in your own heart.

Rufus is adorable and he knows it! He’ll win your heart with love. He rolls over for a tummy rub upon eye contact and he’ll sit in your lap for 30-second increments, then he’s off to play again. And of course, he’ll eat any chewable object in sight. What Rufus sees as a delicacy, we clearly know is trash. And even when scolded, he quickly returns to old habits. But no matter how often he gets in trouble, Rufus knows who to run to for the love he needs. Despite his mistakes, he knows he’s loved—faults and all.

How much more we should know we can run to our Heavenly Father who adores us? He not only gave His Son for us, but offers to freely give us all things. It was because of our weakness He came, and because He came we can now live. He simply asks us to come to Him and believe the love He has for us. And in this place of love there is no fear. And where there is no fear . . . we can freely share with others who have not yet heard that there is a heavenly Father they can run to in a time of trouble. See Romans 8:32-39.

The Seed Company mission is to share with those who have not heard … one Bible translation at a time.

What are some ways you have seen God’s love demonstrated?

Laura Gish works as an administrative assistant at The Seed Company.