When Trouble Comes
By Maria Drayton
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV
I confess, I am a cat lady. I love cats. It began when I was about twelve years old and my mother came home with an all-white Angora cat. I named her Cotton.
I did everything for my cat, anything I could, I loved her with all my heart. I wish I could say that she loved me the same and maybe she did, but she was arrogant. I would call her name over and over, she would just sit, look at me then roll her eyes and look the other way.
The only time she would come willingly was if I had food to give her. I would try to pet her and immediately she would lick and clean the area I had just touched. I still loved her the same, I never lost my love for her.
Often we are like my cat was. The Lord chases us, calls our names, takes care of us, and most times when we seek Him is when “we need Him” and He still answers.
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 NIV
When she died I vowed that I would never get another cat. But the Lord had different plans. About ten years later, I was at work when a litter of kittens were left at our door. Grudgingly, I picked the only Calico kitten in the box and named her Calico, “Cali” for short.
Cali was not like Cotton, she came when I called her! She thought she was human. Everywhere I went, there was Cali. She didn’t run from me like Cotton.
I remember the day it happened, when Cali wasn’t in her usual spot on the balcony and had finally taken her “leap of faith” onto the ground below. I went out in search for her and could not find her. I was inside my apartment when I heard what sounded like howls coming from outside.
I went to the balcony and heard the shrieks even louder. I went outside and peaked over the balcony. All I saw was a HUGE bobcat. When I say huge, I mean it looked like it ate “other cats” for dinner. I realized that it was Cali that I had heard, as the shrieks got louder. The bobcat sat there in a crouching position ready to pounce.
I grabbed my broom and ran out my door straight for that bobcat that had Cali cornered. I took my broom and swung it at him as he darted the other direction. I looked under the step and saw Cali curled far back in the corner. I took the broom and brought her closer to me with it until I could reach her and bring her out.
That day the Lord showed me through my cat’s ordeal, that He does the same with us. He hears our cries, comes to our rescue and fights for us. Then gently nudges us back to Him, within the safety of His loving arms.
The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still. Exodus 14:14 NIV
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 NIV
Heavenly Father, Thank You for rescuing me from the hand of the enemy. You are my strong tower and present help in the time of trouble. Thank You for Your tender mercy and grace that You undeservingly give me each day. Help to me to know You are bigger than my troubles and will deliver me from them all. My help indeed comes from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2021 by Maria Drayton. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Wednesday, 09 August 2023.
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