A little kitty taught me: Devotional on facing trials

My daughter was so excited to inform me that a stray cat had come to call.   This ball of black and white fur sought shelter from the rain on the comfort of our porch.  Just as I was about to swoon I hear the pounding of my dog’s paws running down the steps.  My dog darted toward the door and pounced with a barking fury.  The cat arched her small back and hissed looking directly into my dog’s eyes.  I’m not sure if I was more afraid for the cat or  my dog.  Thankfully the screen door still remained between them.  We restrained the dog.  Feeling sad for the scared but brave kitty, we gathered up some snacks to feed her.  Well, that did it!  She now thinks our porch is a restaurant.

I was reminded of scripture while observing this cat’s reactions to the world around her.  I wondered if I had the sense of this little cat to seek shelter during storms, face trials head on, all while seeking daily bread.

• Come in out of the rain. When the storm hits I sometimes make the mistake of braving it navigating my way through on my own.  We think that we need a show of strength and power to drive the storm away.  There are times to retreat to God’s shelter to spend time in His presence to regroup.  Allow the Lord to reveal Himself as your strong tower and rest in Him so you can revitalize.

For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. Psalm 61

• Stand up in the face of fear. After you revitalize and seek the Lord’s guidance now is your time to stand up and face the trial head on.  Have faith and remember who you belong to are and what He is capable of achieving.  We cannot doubt ourselves with the Lord behind us.  Let’s review from Proverbs 29:25 what scripture says about fear and the Lord:

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

• Seek your daily bread.  Our spiritual food comes from the Word of God.  If we allow our spirit to starve we will be too weak to fight a trial.  The Lord sets food out daily, hoping, His stray kittens come and partake in the feast.  We should hunger for this nourishment.   Let’s reflect on Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

The Lord has provided us with all we need to fight trials and come out not only victorious but stronger.  Let’s seek His protection,  face our fears through Him and be nourished by His Word and we can face any trial.    

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved