Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. But each trial, each trouble, every challenge can be a stepping stone.
Have you heard the story of the farmer's donkey that fell down into a well? The animal cried pitifully for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do.
Finally he decided since the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. So, the farmer invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed shovels, and began to shovel dirt into the well.
At first, when the donkey realized what was happening, he cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well, and was astonished at what he saw.
With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off, and take a step up on the dirt as it piled up. As they continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well, and trotted off!
Here's the lesson: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. But each trial, each trouble, every challenge can be a stepping stone.
James 1:2-4 reminds us: "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4 MSG)
Life will happen. But whatever happens to you isn't nearly as important as how you react to it. Your bible says: "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12 NLT)
No matter what challenge you face, you can get out of the deepest well by turning to God and never giving up! Remember, shake it off, and take a step up!
For GN Magazine, I'm Steve Myers.
