Dear Judy,

A few Christmases ago, after enjoying our family dinner at my mother-in-law’s, she opened her door to see a skinny, very afraid cat trying to come in, obviously hungry. My mother-in-law was a widow and lived alone. She had never had a cat, nor did she want a cat! Long story short, for four years, this wonderful cat loved my mother-in-law and became her companion all through a tough illness, right to the day she died. My mother-in-law loved the Lord very much and served Him with her whole heart. Do you think this could have been God sending her a little bit of joy through this cat because of what was to come? We still have this wonderful cat! Just wondering. . . .

Dear Wondering One,

Yes, of course I believe our God has the ability to send a cat that needed your mother-in-law as much as she needed the cat! When we know the Lord, we have the assurance that God loves us and knows what is ahead and what we will need to see us through whatever comes our way. He has promised to supply when we have need. “ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Most times this is seen as monetary need, but often we have emotional needs too! God’s “riches in glory” are whatever we need, and given to us by Christ Jesus.

Your mother-in-law may have not needed money at that time, but a widow alone needs a companion and the Lord knew this cat would provide that for her. She had something to care for and think about other than sickness or loneliness. She was forced to feed and care for this under-nourished cat, and the cat loved her for it and filled the void in your mother-in-law’s life.

What a wonderful God we serve to give wonderful gifts to His children that help us through this journey of life until we are called up to our heavenly home! Now your mother-in-law is walking with Jesus, and you have the privilege of caring for her cat and her cat caring for you! What a blessing passed down from our wonderful Lord.