“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and grace to help in time of need.” -Hebrews 4: 16
I have a step tiger cat named Mickey. Mickey lives right next door in the condo building with his parents Leslie and Mike. When Leslie and Mike go to northern Wisconsin for the weekend, I’m often asked to fulfill my step-parental doting. Recognizing my approaching footsteps, Mickey greets me at the door in one of two moods. If he’s hungry, he’ll immediately jump on the kitchen counter- where he’ll lick the gravy from his wet cat food, look to the cabinet holding his treats, and drink from the kitchen faucet. When love is his primary interest, Mickey will rub his cheeks on my shoes, then tuck his head as he positions himself for a belly rub, holding my hand in place with his forepaws. Indeed, Mickey is so comfortable with me that he’ll walk right in my condo if our door is open. Su casa es mi casa!!
Mickey is a cat of few meows. But when he looks me at me with his great gorgeous greens, the eyes say it all: thank you for my food, running water, belly rubs and chin scratches. And I love being Mickey’s provider! How infinitely greater it is with Jesus, who knows us down to the minutest detail (Matthew 10: 30)! Although we’ve experienced material, social, and spiritual deprivation resulting from our ministry downsizing or vocation loss, our thankfulness remains rooted in Jesus’ love and grace. Even in the darkness we can still see His light. Through Jesus’ compassion and provision, we will weather the storm- and in the process be a vibrant, compelling witness of His faithfulness. As Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism:
“Those who cling to God alone should be sure that He will show them mercy. In other words, He will show them pure goodness and blessing. . . . This ought certainly to move and impel us to risk our hearts in all confidence with God.”
