It was forty-five years ago. My daily routine at that time involved taking our two dogs down to fields below our home and by the river.

Sometimes there would be lots of cows in the fields and the older dog would bark at them and they would back off and disperse. However, the younger, more energetic dog, would always run behind me when the cows came near and if the older dog was away. The young pup knew that if I yelled at the cows they would not come near and we could walk through them unperturbed.

One day, after the nth time of running behind me and my clearing the way, I impatiently said to the young dog, “Why don’t you just open your mouth and use your bark and those cows would leave you alone?!?”

Instantly, as clear as one can hear the Spirit’s voice, I heard Him say to me, “And you, Bryan? Why do you keep running to Me to clear the way for you when things get difficult and rise up against you? Why don’t you just move in the authority I have given you and use your bark to face off the enemy’s threats?”

Last Thursday, I heard a marvellous sermon from Uganda on Hebrews iii 14 (“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;”) exhorting believers to continue in faith and steadfastness to believe the Word God has spoken to the end, and not not give up on the journey.

My wife and I have had plenty of practice this past week to recover our bark, and I can joyfully report that the enemy has cleared away each time, and victories have been won.

So, how’s your bark? Is it time to use your God-given authority for those niggles or battles you face? It’s not got nothing to do with your size you know, or how small you feel! 😉 It’s all about Him and His power in you.