Early this morning there were two cats facing off. One was howling and the other was unbothered. Then a bird came and began a series of aggressive caws at both of them. It was quite the commotion. I've not seen cats and birds interact like that before. I felt bad for the cat that was howling. I began to speak calmly under my breath, "It's ok buddy, he isn't trying to hurt you. Just turn around and walk away." Right as I finished saying that, the irritated cat turned around and walked away. The other cat jumped up into the window of our laundry facility to watch the other cat leave, and the bird followed it as well-still cawing.
The Lord later took me to Exodus 1:15 where Puah defied Pharaoh's orders to kill Hebrew male infants, Romans 5:18 where the Lord says that one trespass brings condemnation and one act of righteousness brings justification and life, to Daniel 3:8 explaining the power and authority in standing firm when facing outside pressure, Psalm 46:10 instructing us to be still and exalt the Lord, Acts 7:49 where the Lord says, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool", and Isaiah 66:2 where the Lord declares that he will esteem the one who is humble and contrite in spirit.
It's so cool how the Lord speaks to us. When I was witnessing the commotion, I didn't fully understand the significance, but I did know that God was trying to tell me something. Then he clarified the situation through His word. The howling cat faced condemnation because it was trespassing, the calm and unbothered cat stood firm in its authority despite the aggressive behavior of the other cat, and the bird was perched in a high place while cawing at the two. Then after I spoke Shalom over the crying cat, it was able to leave in peace without further altercation.
But God was also comforting me in this scenario. I have been crying out in the spirit. Some of my cries is a result of me falling short before him-the condemnation I bring on myself at times when I'm disobedient. Not that he is condemning me, no, but I condemned myself through a recent trespass. The Lord is merciful. All it took was a move from God and it brought me life. I pray this illustration is an encouragement to stand firm in the Lord. Jesus loves you. I love you. Shalom Shalom
