From the first time I laid eyes on little Hannah, I knew she was the one I wanted to take home with me. I was planning to adopt two kittens and had gone to the vet’s office to meet four kittens up for adoption.

Hannah drew my attention right away. Not because of her beauty or size, but because she seemed overwhelmed and frightened. I knew from the first moment I looked into her eyes and saw fear, I had to take her home. I wanted to help her overcome her fear and reassure her that she was loved. “Honey, everything’s going to be alright.”

She was almost two months old when I adopted her, but she was so afraid. She had been in the shelter, then adopted, but turned back into the shelter, and was going to face euthanasia. Thankfully, an animal adoption agency rescued her and put her in a foster home till they could find a “forever” home for her.

I wanted to be that “forever” home. And she belongs to me now (along with Hobson, whom I adopted at the same time). And yes, they’re complete opposites. Hobson fears nothing!

I’ve had Hannah for two years now, and even though she has relaxed some, she is still my scaredy-cat. The slightest sound or move makes her jump straight in the air, looking around with wide eyes for that terror lurking in the next room.

This morning as I was petting her belly, the sound of the garbage truck outside unnerved her. “Hannah, I wish you could rest in the fact that you’re safe with me.” It’s taking time.

As I was thinking about that this morning, God reminded me of my own fears – fear of failure, fear of disappointing others, fear of rejection, fear of “what if…” Yes, I’m a scaredy-cat, too.

God is saying the same thing to me as I’m telling Hannah: “Trust me. I’m going to take care of you. I’m right by your side and always will be. Nothing’s going to hurt you that I don’t allow for a bigger purpose for good.”

Every time I try to console Hannah when something frightens her, I am reminded of God’s words to me in the midst of my fear.

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Are you a scaredy-cat? Do you have a go-to verse that encourages you when you’re experiencing fear? One day, I hope Hannah will realize just how much I love her and want what’s best for her. God wants the same for me.