“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV).
A few weeks ago, a friend told me about a lady she knew who had cared for a geriatric cat in need of daily medication. It got to the point where the cat would run and hide from her; instead of seeing her as a friend, she was now an enemy. Princess Margaret and I are going through the same thing. She needs to take a pill once a day and although it really helps with her arthritis, she now runs from me once I get the pill out. I certainly cannot blame her. It makes me very sad and yet the benefits she receives from the medication are undeniable.
According to Miriam Webster, a frenemy is “one who pretends to be a friend but is actually an enemy” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frenemy). Sometimes I wonder if we view God as a frenemy. When we go through a tough experience, grieve a deep loss, or feel like our prayers haven’t been answered, do we then conclude that God only pretended to care about us? Do we think He is our friend in good times but not in bad? It is not God’s fault that bad things happen to us. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). Until Jesus comes again we will continue to live in a sinful deteriorating world where God’s hand isn’t the only one at work: “He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’” (Matthew 13:28a ESV).
It wasn’t my fault that my cat developed arthritis. I’m not her frenemy! I did not cause her suffering, but I am going to be with her through her pain and will try to make the medication giving process as easy as possible on all involved. God will be with us through our trials and tribulations, however, His ultimate goal is not just to make us feel better for a time but for eternity! When Jesus returns He will “… wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4 NKJV).
We may not understand now why certain things happen to us, but rest assured that God is not a frenemy; He is our only true and faithful Friend, our Father, and our Creator. So the next time you experience a bitter pill, lean on God. In even the most terrible situations, we can choose to shine a light for Him to encourage others with the hope we’ve found in Jesus.
Bonus: Having canned cat food prepared as a pill chaser has greatly reduced the negative effects of the medication administering routine.