The aroma fills the air. Mouth-watering juicy steaks are cooking on a gas grill outside in my backyard. My family enjoys time together during the summer weather, cooking outdoors. Unfortunately, we were unaware of spectators during our cookout. The birds perch on the grass in my backyard and use their sharp beaks to dig up insects for food. We have many bird species, but more adult females are having kittens. The adult female cats may belong to our neighbors who let them roam from pillar to post with no responsibility to keep them in confinement, away from other properties, but instead they allow them to wander freely. It allows the freedom of the adult females to move around with their young ones without restraint.
One evening after our cookout, I was enjoying sitting in my rocking chair on my porch. Suddenly, I heard a sound…meow…meow… and I wondered, where is it coming from? It sounded as though it was right next to me, possibly inside my garage. As I entered, I called softly, kitty, kitty, hoping the hungry intruder would appear. However, there was no visible sight, no sound, only silence. While pausing, I waited, but still nothing.
A few days passed. One night as I relaxed near my garage area, out of nowhere I heard a desperate cry — a squealing sound, frightening. It seemed like the intruder needed help. Please come to my rescue.
I turned to my husband. I hear the noise again, and it sounds like a cat in our garage.
My husband gazed at me. “Where is it coming from?”
“Underneath there,” pointing to the place. I exclaimed.
As I gazed inside, I saw a small, black and white, cute kitten run out from underneath a piece of workout equipment.
On my tippy toes, I entered our garage, took a glove, pulled the kitty out, being wedged between a bookcase and the wall. As I set him free, he was happy to leave.
Like the kitty, we all have faced situations of being scared or frustrated. We have no clue about the action or direction to choose.
We all experience seasons of life. There were periods I suffered hardships. Loss of loved ones, future fears, worries, and anxieties weighed on me. Lord, have you seen my plight? My cry—have you heard? “Where’s God, I wondered? Can’t take it anymore.”
Oh! If God would grant my request and save me. In my deep depression, I feel alone and no one cares.
Even Job Didn’t Understand His Plight, Why God Allowed His Suffering?
Job 31:35-37, “If only someone would listen to me! Look, I will sign my name to my defense.
Let the Almighty answer me. Let my accuser write out the charges against me. I would face the accusation proudly. I would wear it like a crown. For I would tell him exactly what I have done. I would come before him like a prince.”
God’s ways differ from ours. We’ll only comprehend life’s mysteries when we reach heaven. Then, our suffering will cease. We’ll understand how God used it to bring spiritual growth into our lives, so we can see Him clearer through our troubles.
Isaiah 55: 8-9 “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
If we try to explain our circumstances in life, it is impossible to understand God’s workings in our lives. God is infinite, and we are finite creatures with limited understanding. It is a matter of faith to trust God in whatever He brings into our lives, that it is in His best interest for us (Romans 8:28).
As Job Grew His Faith, To Know God Better, He Could Say:
Job 23:10 “But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.”
As I recognize God to be the Almighty with full wisdom and understanding, I don’t have to question His presence, His lovingkindness, His goodness. God is all these things — even through my deepest trials and testing. He remains the same. His love never changes, and I don’t have the right to judge His motives in unjustifiable thoughts. Even though I’m unknowledgeable about His perfect plan for me, I trust Him in whatever He’s doing to bring me to perfection, leaning upon His grace through sufferings (Romans 8:29).
If you’re going through suffering, find comfort in God’s Word, while meditation upon these Scripture verses:
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”
Isaiah 40:31, “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.” My favorite verse of Scripture.
Find hope and be renewed in your spirits. As you return, cling to His promises today.
Strength For Your Christian Walk
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