Several years ago I was hunting deep in the woods when I came upon a dog caught in a large steel trap. I purposed to save that dog and set him free. But when I approached him, I was met with a fierce look and a deep growl. Eventually I made my way near him; but when I touched the trap (causing pain), the dog attacked and I barely escaped being bitten. Not to be frustrated in my purpose of mercy, I found a forked stick and used it to hold him down while I removed the trap and set him free. He limped away in one direction while I went another. Shortly, I became aware that the dog was following me. I stopped, he came to me, I petted him, he licked my hand. The dog followed me the rest of his life. The Lord Jesus came to me when I was trapped in sin and doomed to die. He purposed to save me and set me free; but when He approached me in the gospel, I met Him with fierce looks and harsh words. When He touched me, it caused pain because it revealed my problem, and I rebelled all the more. But He would not be frustrated in His purpose of mercy. By divine power He held me in check as He removed my chains and set me free. Now I follow Him, I lie at His feet, I desire no more than to be with Him.