My husband accompanied me on a two-week mission trip to Central America. One early evening we were walking on the beach when a large dog came barking and chasing after us.
I stopped, stood straight and still and spoke firmly: “In the name of Jesus STOP and be still!” The dog stopped, became quiet and suddenly took off running—after my husband!
Poor Dan is not yet a follower of Jesus and doesn’t understand the power in His name. So he tried to outrun the dog! When he saw the dog gaining on him he stopped and started kicking. The dog sunk his teeth into Dan’s leg before running off. Fortunately, medical treatment prevented complications.
The experience strengthened my conviction that God’s Word is indeed true. Jesus’ name is powerful and He delights in us as we trust in Him.
- Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
- Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
What a story Kathleen, ‘twould be funny except for the fact that your husband was injured. Thank you for sharing about the power in His Name and how He is present in every situation.
Yes it IS some story, isn’t it! Looking back, I agree that it was rather funny, but not at the time! What stood out to me was the power I saw when I used the name “Jesus.”
Was just going to say sorry. Of course it wasn’t funny to be chased by a noisy, large dog. I should have enlarged my comment and said to someone far off, it might have seemed rather funny, the way it just suddenly stopped and changed direction. Sorry for your husband though, must have been quite frightening.
Reminds me of the wonderful word that He can change the mighty rivers … nothing is impossible with God and the way He changed that dog’s direction … amazing.
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 KJV
Amen! Thank you Liana!
Kathleen, your testimony is an interesting angle on the authority of the name of Jesus. He cares about our every concern. Even harmful dogs are subject to us through His name. Sorry your husband was bitten.
Thank you, Frank. Yes, God does care about our every concern. I don’t think enough Christians think about the authority of the name of Jesus. I’m glad I did!