Big, Black Cat
AKA "Bear"
Scaredy-cats: seeing myself through my cats.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV)
Wait for the cat story below, but first this. When we were in missionary training, God showed me that fear was keeping me from trusting Him for the transition. A big transition as we left our home town and began our journey to reach the mission field. And not just fear in the training process, but other things. Things I still give to God daily, especially during my last few years of transition.
Then as now, with uncertainties in life and the world, I continue learning to trust God daily. Things will scare us if we take our eyes off the Lord and look at circumstances. I’m thankful for His grace and mercy when my faith lacks––knowing it will at times.
Cat Story as Promised.
Recently, I was reminded of God’s care for me. I turned from my desk and a little mouse came rushing towards me. Quickly, I got it out to the porch and shut the door. Now what? No one was near to call. My first thought was to go find Bear, my huge, black, outdoor cat. This was my first mouse inside the house. Well, Bear was nowhere to be found, but he would have only played with it anyway. I opted for his brother Zeb––he also lives outside. Coming inside with Zeb, I put him down to find the mouse, but Zeb was no help. Finally, it appeared from behind a chair and to my surprise, Zeb was afraid of it. He jumped on a chair––cute and funny. So, no help from him. I decided to scoop it up with a broom and dustpan and sent him over the wall to a field. Thinking back, having a little mouse in the house was better than a tarantula and a snake I killed a few years ago. But I couldn’t kill this little fella, too tiny and cute.
Like my cat, little things (and big things) scare me at times, but God is bigger than any problem. He protects us daily. And I was that protection for my cat. Zeb was afraid, but I took care of the problem for him. I love that cat and quickly lifted him up and took him outside where he felt safe. God does that for me. He shows me love even when I fear, and He takes care of me no matter my feelings. He protects me from all the little “mice” in my life and quickly shows me love, lifts me and grows my faith in Him. Sometimes we look for our “huge, black cat” to help us when all along God is present to help us. He knows our fears, but still wants to pick us up and bring us to safety.
What a loving, forgiving God. Yes, we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength––even putting a little mouse outside.
“Fear not, I will help you!” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)