STORMS THAT SHAPE US

STORMS THAT SHAPE US
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 by GAIL SCOATES

Categories: devotional / GUEST AUTHORS / TUESDAY'S TREASURE

PLEASE WELCOME

GAIL SCOATES

TO TUESDAY’S TREASURE

In one of my Bible studies, we were asked to share occasions in our lives when God used difficult circumstances to change us. As I listened to the women in my group, I reflected on my own journey and the trials and victories that have shaped me over the years.

While our stories were all very different and took place at different seasons of life, a common thread emerged: through our struggles, God transformed our hearts for the better and drew us closer to Him.

Our stories brought to life the words from Paul, writing to new Christians in Rome, “… we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character; and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 ESV).

It’s often difficult to recognize these as lessons while we are in the midst of our troubles. But when we glance in the rearview mirror, we begin to see how God uses those experiences to shape us. They become part of His refining process as we journey toward our eternal home. As the Bible reminds us, “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in Him but also suffer for His sake” (Phil 1:29).

These thoughts and truths were on my heart when I wrote my recent middle-grade novel, Puma: A Shelter Dog Becomes a Hero, a fictionalized account inspired by real people and a real dog. One of my goals was to show young readers how trials can change us and help us emerge stronger.

In the book, Puma, a rescued dog, is struck by lightning. The injury causes pain and requires time to heal, but it also awakens an extraordinary gift: the ability to understand human speech and sense the feelings of animals. What begins as suffering becomes the very means by which Puma comforts others in the shelter where she lives, and later encourages firefighters and law enforcement officers as a First Responder Therapy Dog.

Our lives often unfold in much the same way; what begins as pain can end in jubilation when we look to God for strength, for His guidance and direction. The apostle Peter echoes this truth: “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed” (1Peter 4:13).

Trials have a way of purifying and strengthening us, helping us remain grounded and connected to God. They also equip us to comfort and care for others with the same comfort we received, while keeping our hearts focused on the One who faithfully walks beside us through every storm.

Prayer: God, help us understand that you offer the storms of our life as just one of the ways you prune and develop us to be more like Jesus, as we learn to serve and comfort others. May we discover that life’s difficulties are not detours but the very heart of Your preparation for us in the world.

ABOUT GAIL SCOATES

Gail Scoates is an award-winning author and a lady with a heart for God and animals. A retired nurse and professor, she now hopes to inspire others to see God’s love for us in his creation. She trains, evaluates, and mentors teams for therapy dog work, enjoys writing, and traveling. Gail lives in Wisconsin with her husband of forty-eight years, Dave, for most of the year, and spends the winter months near Gulf State Park in Alabama.

She has received multiple awards for her books, including her most recent book, Puma: A Shelter Dog Becomes a Hero, for which she received a first-place award in both Young Adult and Fiction from Living Waters.

Gail is actively involved in her church and continues to grow her faith. She marvels at the doors God opens when we listen and respond to His call. Gail’s books explore themes of faith, love, and the silly antics of her dogs and those of her family, friends, and therapy dog colleagues. Her books can be found on Amazon or on her website https://pawspurpose.net/.

Author links:

Puma. A Shelter Dog Becomes a Hero. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQBYCK2D

Puma Review page: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/?&asin=B0GQBYCK2D

MORE ABOUT PUMA

Puma is inspired by the true story of a once-unwanted shelter dog, a caring community determined to help older adults keep their beloved pets, and a deputy animal control officer honored as the 2025 Humane Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Humane World for Animals (formerly the Humane Society of the United States).

Written for middle-grade readers, but perfect for dog lovers of any age, this uplifting story follows a courageous shelter dog as she discovers her special gift and works alongside her best friend and a team of dedicated animal control officers.

More than anything, Puma longs to belong. She knows what it feels like to be left out, misunderstood, and unsure of where she fits. When her dream of finding a forever home finally comes true, Puma and Captain Mike go to school, and they eventually train to become a first responder therapy dog team. Along the way, Puma discovers that helping others also heals her own heart.

On Puma’s adventure, readers will experience:
• The journey of adopting a shelter dog
• The challenges and joys of training for first responder therapy dog work
• Real-life efforts to support seniors who struggle to care for both themselves and their beloved pets
• A heartfelt look at the human–animal bond
• The meaningful ways dogs serve, comfort, and strengthen communities.

This heartwarming story speaks to readers who understand wanting to belong, facing moments of bullying or self-doubt, and learning to choose bravery, kindness, and hope. With her wagging tail and growing confidence, Puma’s story gently reminds us that heroes come in many forms—and sometimes they walk on four paws.

Award-winning author Gail Scoates draws from her years of therapy dog work and as a home care nurse, where she saw patients who often insisted their beloved pets be checked before their own health was addressed. Those moments revealed the profound meaning these pets gave to their lives; how they provided comfort, purpose, and stability, especially for older adults. That lived experience inspired the heart behind Puma.