Our new Ragdoll cat sure is bundle of energy, but at the same time she seems to be eager to trust.

The first time we took her outside for a walk, she was completely relaxed in my arms. Until a car zoomed by that is. Scared to death by the noise of that “gigantic” Cooper Mini, her claws came out, her hair stood up on end, and she did everything she could to escape. Nowhere was considered safe any longer and she desperately needed to run and hide. Especially with more and more of these monsters passing by with their horrible mechanical sounds.

I tried to comfort her with my soothing voice (At least I made an attempt at being soothing): “It’s all right. You don’t need to be afraid. I am here for you. I will protect you.”

By the end of the walk she had completely relaxed, even when the cars passed. The zooming noise-makers didn’t faze her any longer. She finally realized she was safe in my arms. She had learned to trust in the one who cared for her.

Until the next day that is. Then we were back to square one with claws extended, hair standing on end, and panic-stricken eyes. These noisy vehicles were way too dangerous and too big for even her caregiver!

Are we any better?

So often, after experiencing God in an unusual way, we begin to put our trust in Him. And then the next circumstance arises, this one seemingly bigger and much harder to handle. We immediately assume that God can’t handle it either, and our fingers turn into clawish-looking devices, our hair, or what’s left of it, stands up straight, looking much like lone trees in an empty field, and our eyes turn into wild globes as they desperately seek escape.

How quickly we forget the provisions God always bestow on us!

“I, I’m the One comforting you. What are you afraid of – or who? Some man or woman who’ll soon be dead? Some poor wretch destined for dust? You’ve forgotten me, God, who made you, who unfurled the skies, who founded the earth. And here you are, quaking like an aspen before the tantrums of a tyrant who thinks he can kick down the world. But what will come of the tantrums? The victims will be released before you know it. They’re not going to die. They’re not even going to go hungry. For I am God, your very own God, who stirs up the sea and whips up the waves, named God-of-the-Angel-Armies.” (Isa 51:12-15 The Message)

We are far too quick to believe the lies of the evil one, taking them for truth instead (See John 8:44), allowing them to ensnare us without hope. These lies are gigantic and our circumstances are hopeless. But not for the One who is the Creator of the Universe. Not for the One who made the impossible possible by reconciling us to Himself through His son, who willingly died a horrific death so that we could experience His resurrection power and His grace for eternity.

Do we have any reason to be worried?

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Ps 27:1 NIV)

Why worry about these zooming by cars? I have my Master who will take care of me!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Lessons From a Ragdoll” devotional series, please click here.)