More from Debb Bowman

As I write this, my Annie is two weeks into her 16th year. Despite failing eyesight and hearing along with some doggy dementia, she continues to walk with me every day, constantly reminding me of the temptations that are out there. Satan is always at work, lurking at every corner, trying to get me to drop my guard. When Annie tries to pull me where I know I shouldn’t go, I think of the temptations currently facing me and how God wants me to resist them. 

Every day is different. One day the temptations may be external, with Satan using people to make me angry, anxious, or unforgiving. Other days I battle internal temptations where he tells me I’m not good enough, nothing I do is right, or I am simply not worthy. My defense—the Holy Spirit, who takes my hand and pulls me away from Satan’s power—guides me in the direction I should go and gives me strength abundant to hold tightly to him and not let go.

I don’t know how much longer I will be blessed to have Annie. But as long as we can walk, and for years after that, I will always be grateful for the way God used her in my life. I pray that you, too, have the strength to hold tight to the Spirit’s hand and follow the path he has chosen for you.