by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Yesterday morning, Chris was on his way to work when he noticed something small in the middle of the highway. At first, he thought it might be debris, but as he got closer, he realized it was a tiny kitten. He slowed down, straddled it with the truck so he would not hit it, and then stopped to pick it up. Just like that, our family unexpectedly gained a barely-weaned kitten.
Now, between the office and home, we have an eight-week-old puppy and a tiny rescued kitten. At this point, all we need is a chicken and a goat, and we may officially qualify as a small animal farm. Liam, of course, is thrilled about the entire situation while I am quickly learning that tiny animals require far more attention than they appear to need.
Still, I cannot stop thinking about that kitten sitting in the middle of the highway.
It was too young to understand the danger around it. It did not know how vulnerable it was or how quickly life could have ended had someone not stopped. Most drivers probably would have kept going without another thought, but Chris interrupted his morning long enough to rescue something small that could not rescue itself.
That image has stayed with me spiritually.
How many times has the Lord rescued us when we did not even fully understand the danger we were in? How often have we wandered into places that could destroy us while remaining completely unaware of our vulnerability? Like that kitten, we sometimes resist the very hands trying to help us because fear clouds our understanding.
Yet, Jesus still stops.
He still reaches.
He still rescues.
Scripture reminds us in Romans 5:8 that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (ESV). Jesus did not wait for humanity to mature, improve, or become worthy of saving before He intervened. He moved toward us while we were still lost.
There is something deeply humbling about realizing that grace often reaches us long before we fully comprehend our need for it.
This tiny kitten now rests safely in our home, wrapped in blankets, held by loving hands, and cared for by people who stopped long enough to notice it. Watching Liam gently hold that little life in his arms reminded me that compassion often looks very ordinary. Sometimes love simply looks like stopping the truck when everyone else keeps driving.
Perhaps that is part of the Gospel too.
We were all still worth stopping for. 💛
Challenge
This week, pay attention to the small interruptions around you. Ask the Lord to help you notice the people who may feel overlooked, vulnerable, frightened, or forgotten. Compassion often requires us to slow down long enough to see what others pass by.
At the same time, spend time honestly reflecting on your own life. Are there places where Jesus has been trying to rescue, redirect, or protect you even while you resisted His hands? Allow yourself to rest in the truth that His grace reaches toward us long before we fully understand our need for it.
Scripture Study
Luke 15:3–7
Jesus describes Himself as the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to rescue the one lost sheep. Reflect on the persistence of God’s love and His willingness to pursue what others may overlook.
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (ESV)
Jesus moved toward humanity before we ever deserved rescue. Spend time thanking Him for grace that arrived before understanding.
John 10:11–15
Jesus calls Himself the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. Consider what it means to be fully known, protected, and pursued by Him.
Psalm 121:1–8
This psalm reminds us that the Lord watches over and preserves His people. Where have you experienced His protection in ways you only recognized later?
Ephesians 2:4–5
God’s mercy reaches us even when we are spiritually helpless. Reflect on the difference between earning love and receiving grace.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for being the kind of Savior who stops for the vulnerable, the frightened, and the wandering. Thank You for rescuing me even in seasons when I did not fully understand how much I needed You. Forgive me for the times I resisted Your guidance or tried to navigate life in my own strength.
Help me grow in compassion toward others, especially those who feel overlooked or forgotten. Teach me to notice the people and moments that others may pass by too quickly. Most of all, remind me that Your grace reaches farther than my fear, my immaturity, or my resistance.
Thank You for being the Good Shepherd who still rescues. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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