Faith lessons from my cat, Sue

Faith lessons from my cat, Sue

It’s funny how God uses small things in life to encourage us and teach us deep truths about Himself. This time, He used our little cat, Sue.

Robby and I have had Sue for almost four years. She’s truly the sweetest cat we have ever seen. All she wants to do is sit with us and love on us. In fact, she sees this as her main job, especially when she thinks one of us is ill or feeling sad. In times like this, we refer to her lovingly as Nurse Sue.

This year, though, the tables were turned. We noticed a few issues with Sue’s health, leading to various tests, surgery to remove a tumor, and a permanent change in her diet. Robby and I have no human children, so Sue is our “fur-baby.” This made Sue’s illness as difficult for Robby and me as it was for her. I see now, though, that God used this experience to broaden and deepen my faith. You may be able to apply these lessons to your life, as well.

1. Sue doesn’t like being around other animals, so the vet’s office is a pretty scary place for her. However, she never acts mean or ugly when she’s there or even after we get her back home. Some cats will pee, scratch, or hiss, but not Sue. She just curls up in our arms or in our laps to feel safe and secure.

Lesson: When I’m scared, I shouldn’t lash out or be ugly to those around me. Instead, I should seek the Lord and curl up in His arms to receive strength and comfort from Him.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’” Psalm 91:1-2, NASB

2. Sue’s pre-op visit was long and intense. The very next day, Robby had to put her back in her carrying case to take her to the vet for her surgery. Robby later told me how she looked so scared to get back in that carrier, knowing that it was going to take her back to the vet. He sat with her for a while, petting her and assuring her that everything was going to be OK. Eventually, she looked up at him with her big green eyes, let out a little kitty sigh, and walked into the carrier. I think Robby’s heart just broke, knowing that she trusted him so much, even though she was afraid of where he was taking her.

Lesson: When I’m afraid of what the Lord is doing, I need to trust in who He is. Instead of running from the Lord, I should seek His face and His will in my life, even when I think it’s going to hurt.
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28, NASB

3. We picked Sue up from the vet right as she was coming out of the anesthesia. She couldn’t walk straight or even open her eyes fully. For a minute we thought she would be angry with us or scared and would try to hide under the bed. Instead, she loved on us like never before, with lots of purring and head-butts. It was if she was just happy we had come back for her and saved her.

Lesson: We know the Lord loves us and wants good things for us. Therefore, we shouldn’t be mad at Him when something seemingly bad happens to us. Instead, we should continue to trust in the Lord and seek His will for our lives.

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You.” Psalm 40:5, NASB

Additionally, when someone we love does something that hurts us, we should forgive them without hesitation, for this is how the Lord forgives us.

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:14-15, NASB

4. We waited for days after the surgery to find out the tumor was benign (thank God!). We then waited on blood work results, only to find out she has the beginning stages of kidney issues. Sue is now on a special diet. It’s not her favorite, but so far she hasn’t gone on hunger strike. We have always trusted the Lord would give Sue a long, healthy life with us, but we still worried over tests and outcomes. But Sue didn’t worry; she just trusted.
Lesson: When you trust in the Lord, give it over to Him. Place the issue in His hands and walk away, thankful that He has it under control. Anything less is worry, not faith.

Jesus speaking – “But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!…So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:30 and 34, NASB
I’m happy to report that Sue’s health has returned, and she’s adjusting to her new diet. I think Robby and I feel more like pet-parents now that we’ve gone through this experience with Sue, which only makes us appreciate her more. I also find myself convicted and my faith stretched a bit. I plan to continue seeking the Lord to grow in areas of faith and trust, to dig a little deeper, and search a little harder. Thankfully, as I read God’s Word, I’ll probably have a black cat curled up in my lap – a little fur ball of a reminder that God is still good.