In our back alley we have the blessing of stray cats, one of whom seems to have adopted me. I have come home on various occasions to find him sleeping contentedly on the front porch or at my back door step. Though I have never fed this cat, he acts confidently like a member of the family! I used to gently chase him out of the yard but he always returned. We have a sort of truce. I don’t get worked up over his presence and he just moves on to the next house after his nap!

Problems come into every one of our lives like my alley cat. Getting angry, stressed out or shocked doesn’t faze him. No matter what, because he lives in our neighborhood he will keep coming back. He comes to see if I will feed him or invite him in. But instead of freaking out I remind myself that wherever there are alley cats the mice are few and far between! Problems pass through our lives for a purpose. So if tribulation shows up at your doorstep this morning don’t fall into despair. It is all a part of God’s plan for our good. Instead look up because His everlasting hope is on the horizon!

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3‭-‬4 NKJV