Squirrels and Cats

God has the funniest and strangest ways of visiting sometimes.  This morning I was led to read Job 38-42:6.  It's quite long so I won't include it here, but this is the part of the book of Job where God questions him.  From 38:1-4  The the Lord answered Job out of the storm.  He said:  Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?  Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.  Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me, if you understand."   And on it goes it that fashion.  Take the time to read it, it should put some things in perspective.

I then went on to my "31 Days of Prayer" study and the verse for today was Ephesians 3:20  Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, (and because my OCD prevents me from leaving an incomplete sentence, I will include v21) to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  

Finishing all my study up, I went to reheat my coffee and Noah (my youngest kitty, 7 months and still nervous about people) was looking out the front door.  There was a squirrel sitting on the walkway to the door.  The squirrel jumped off the walk way under the bushes.  From my higher vantage point, I could still see the squirrel, but Noah could not from his low view.   I went to pick Noah up so he could continue to watch, and of course he shied away.  I was able to grab him and lift him up and so he was able to happily continue watching the squirrel.  Bringing him up to my sight level, while scary to him at first, ultimately lead to his happiness.  And so it is with us and the Lord.

And at that moment all the reading from this morning came together!  How like Noah (and Job) I am.  God's ways are so not my ways.  So immeasurable more than I could ask or imagine!   Like Noah, I have limited knowledge.  I don't understand what God is doing any more than Noah understood what I wanted for him.  Like Noah with me, God desires to life me up and give me a different perspective, and I shy away, fearful of His unknown plans.  But oh when I let Him have His way, how much better things are.  There is peace, there is joy, even if the way is hard.  Oh Lord, I need that new perspective that only You can give.   Scoop me up in Your arms and let me see !!

Lord, help me to trust and obey.  Draw me up to Yourself.

NOAH RILEY