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“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in. Psalm 27:10 (ESV)

How can such a tiny grey furball of a kitten capture a heart so fast? To be totally honest, I’m not a pet lover, but the cuteness of this abandoned one overtook us. We couldn’t figure out where she came from. Two cats like to visit our house but neither one would have anything to do with her. Like an outcast, she sat whimpering constantly. Just a few weeks old and eyes still shut desperate for help. My husband cleaned her up and carefully got those eyes free. His was the first face she saw. And for a few days she stole the show. Every move he made in our yard, Charcoal (did I mention we named her) followed behind his footsteps as fast as her little feet would let her go.

When the one abandoned meets kindness following is natural. When eyes are opened wide, following is easy. When one feels loved despite other’s rejection, following draws them.

Love the way Jesus didn’t need to bribe others to follow Him. His kindness and gentleness drew them in. Captivated by His loving acceptance, crowds eagerly stayed close for a chance to hear His voice. Regardless of who rejected them or cast them aside, when Jesus came by they didn’t want to miss out.

Maybe if we had even a little more Jesus in us then those abandoned would capture our hearts too. We wouldn’t walk past them or judge them. We wouldn’t offer up excuses or be afraid to get a little messy helping them to see. Our acceptance and not prideful arrogance would be the one thing that propels them to follow after the One we love. Making favoritism rare versus familiar (James 2). Loving others the way God loves us.

And sweet friend, if you ever find yourself cast aside, abandoned – don’t ever give up. People may forget you. Friends may leave you. Jobs may fail to deliver. But this I know, God has never forsaken His own. Even in our loneliest hours, He is right by our side. Ever cheering us on. Orchestrating His perfect plan at just the right moment. Loving us large and singing loud over the weary. Leaving rejection behind and embracing the love of One who reaches down to make us great never looked better.

“Father, I love the way you teach us simple lessons of how to love, care for and draw others to You. Simple reminders to care more than we dare think and leave the rest in Your hands.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life