Bobcat Tales - Chasin Possum

So, my pet bobcat cornered a possum once. (No this isn't the opening line to a redneck joke.)

I've talked about my pet bobcat here before. I remember one time we heard a ruckus in our laundry room just off the garage. We couldn't figure out what was going on. My Dad stepped into the laundry room and there was my bobcat going crazy. She was trying to get behind the washer. Dad looked back and there was a possum. My dad grabbed the bobcat and threw it out but every time the possum started to leave ( with the assistance of a broom) the bobcat would come back in and chase it behind the washer.

The ol'bobcat was persistent for sure. She was hoping her perseverance would pay off.

Of course, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can KNOW that our perseverance will pay off.

"through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:24

"For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." Romans 8:24-26

You know, bad things are going to happen. Life is not a bed of roses. Illness, death, loss, hardship and hunger are experienced by those who believe and those who do not. Fires, floods and other disasters abound. God's children will experience persecution (both real and pereceived) and other unjust acts. It doesn't mean God is not in control.

"My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." James 5:10-11

Those who endured were called blessed. The Lord is compassionate and merciful but that does not mean we will not suffer trials. The hard things in life are there for a purpose. They are there to grow us stronger, to show us character God wants changed, to mature us for the next adventure God has in store for us.

I remember well how hard it was to experience financial loss and even know the hardships of homelessness. I now work with people everyday who are going through similar things. I feel a compassion and have an understanding I never would have had if God had not allowed my family to experience this first hand.

We don't know the 'why', but we don't have to. We are called to persevere. So press on and cling to God. "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:14)