Seeking and Calling

It's been too quiet around my house. I needed something to talk to, to care for . . . I needed another cat. (Besides, the mice and squirrels were taking over the attic.) 

So, last May, I visited the animal shelter. They had lots of cats there. Some rubbed against the bars, looking for attention. Others meowed pitifully. One slept in a ball, in the corner of her cage. She looked like one I had owned years ago. I went to the desk to ask if I could see her and hold her, but someone else had asked first. I went home disappointed. I didn't want any of the others. I wanted her. 

Returning later, I saw that she was still there! When I held her, I felt the soft vibrations of a purr beneath her fluffy fur. I filled out the forms and paid the price and brought my new friend home, but  . . . 

she didn't know me,

she didn't want me,

she was afraid and ran from me.

For weeks, I filled her food dish and clean up her messes. I called her, but she wouldn't come. I lifted her out of her hiding spots and caressed her ears and neck. I talked to her, softly and gently, while she purred in my arms. I named her Fluffy - short for Fluffanutter. 

She enjoyed all the benefits of a home - food, shelter, attention - but she did not want me or trust me. Sometimes, she fought against me and scratched me. I waited and tried again the next day. 

Soon, she didn't run when I came near. Soon, she accepted treats from my hands. Soon, she came to me when she heard my voice. Soon, she slept on my lap - trusting, resting, free of fear. 

It reminds me of Jesus.

"Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you." 

(John 15:16)

We are stubborn and foolish.

"All we, like sheep, have gone astray." 

(Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus searches and calls us.

"For thus saith the Lord God; 

Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, 

and seek them out."

(Ezekiel 34:11)

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, 

I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

(Isaiah 43:1)

"I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, 

but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not."

(Jeremiah 7:13)

"I have loved thee with an everlasting love: 

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

(Jeremiah 31:3)

I almost gave up on taming my cat. I almost took Fluffy back to the shelter. 

 God does not give up. We enjoy all His benefits, but we're not grateful for the One who provides them. We don't want Him or trust Him. We run from Him, but it doesn't do any good to hide. He seeks us and finds us. He calls us and draws us and loves us, until we rest in His arms. 

 "Submit yourselves therefore to God." 

(James 4:7)

If Jesus has been calling you, 
if you want to know more about Him
or how to get to heaven,
email me. I will pray with you.