Published by The mule’s curious dark eyes stared back at the camera. Lou had no way of knowing he was being photographed for his heroic deed.
Lou’s fame was born on a New Year’s Day in the peaceful countryside of beautiful Tennessee. Many moons before, Lou had been brought to the family’s farmstead to help with the chores. Since that day, Lou had added many years of faithful service to his resume.
And now, this New Year’s Day was to be the day that Lou would be used of God. Lou’s owner, a senior citizen living alone, had just finished dinner when she heard her mule braying and causing a ruckus outside. Distracted by Lou’s frantic calls, the woman was drawn outdoors and was shocked to discover her home engulfed in flames.
This gentle mule’s love for his caring owner was made manifest when he sensed something was drastically wrong. Lou realized that the woman who had made him a part of her family so long ago was in imminent danger. He was aware that her salvation depended on him.
Lou’s owner had been wise enough to heed the voice of her dedicated mule. God used Lou to warn her of the impending danger, and she had heeded his call. Had she ignored Lou’s timely warning, she may have perished that very day. But because of her decision to listen, this woman’s life was spared.
As we read troubling reports of humans who engage in demonic acts of tormenting and abusing animals, we also read inspiring stories of love, such as Lou’s, that touch our hearts to remind us that animals, too, are used of God.
The most beautiful demonstration of love occurred on an old wooden cross over 2,000 years ago when Christ performed the greatest sacrifice ever known to man. We, too, have a choice. We can ignore Christ’s timely warning of impending danger and perish, or we can heed His call and find salvation. The decision we make today will determine our eternal future tomorrow.
