Keep Knocking, Keep Meowing

Ask and You Shall Receive

Have you ever tried to ignore a cat?

If you have, then you know it’s impossible.

No creature on earth is better at ignoring the world when it wants to be alone. All it takes, though, is a want—a need—and this bellybutton-gazing feline become a screeching maniac intent on shattering your inner eardrum.

As someone who has been under cat ownership for a long time, I’ve noticed the timing is not always convenient. It may be the middle of the night, four in the morning, or right when you’re in the middle of some important task. Cats, in general, don’t care. Shadow, specifically, cares even less.

It could be a need as basic as food or water (or, heaven forbid it, being cut off from the litter box!). Maybe it’s a case of separation anxiety or the need for a little space.

Whatever it is, you’ve probably seen the pattern. It starts with an earnest gaze and a slight meow. If ignored, the cat switches to an in-your-face posture and a mid-range meow. Soon, it escalates to operatic posturing, torn screens and shredded pant legs.

As an example, while living with my parents, we tried to acclimate Shadow to spending days outside when the weather was nice. This resulted in a siren-like wail of despair and a visit to every window within reach, complete with claw marks on screen doors and various martyr-like poses that continued until she was let back into the house.

All of these antics can be annoying, but they do prove one thing. Cats don’t have any problem understanding what Jesus means when he says:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.” ~ Luke 11:9-10

In fact, the strident persistence of Shadow and her feline relations brings to mind the parable of the unjust judge and the persistent widow in Luke 18.

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!'" And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:1-8)

So, maybe Shadow isn’t so far off. She’s doing exactly what God wants us to do when we’re in need…showing persistence in her request and faith in the outcome.

Of course, there are times when what we ask for may not be in our best interest. Maybe that request is a want, but not a need. James 4:3 says, "You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." After all, kitty treats aren’t the same as food and water. A neurotic need for a soft cushion isn’t the same as basic shelter, or even love.

At the same time, we should realize what Shadow obviously knows: if you ask a loving master to meet your needs, your needs will be met. So, keep knocking, keep meowing, keep praying. Ask, and it will be given to you.
...