The Farmer's Donkey - the Value of Persistence

 "Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

There are many things in life that cause frustration. Whether it’s problems at work, school, with a spouse, other family members, or even at church or in our community, our difficulties and challenges can be so overwhelming that at times we may feel that we just want to quit! A few years ago, a ministry colleague sent me the following story that reminded me of the value of never giving up.  I pass it on in the hopes that you’ll find it valuable, as well: 

“One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down.

A few shovel-loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well, he was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing.  He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors 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 happily trotted off! 

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping and never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up. 

I know so many people have been in a well, they have had to shake off the dirt and take the step up until they have made it to the top. Right now, I also know a lot of people that feel like they are falling into the well...it is my hope and prayer that they will have the courage and strength to shake the dirt off and step up. Life is tough, but God will always help us to find our way to the top of the well. The key is to trust Him, shake the dirt off and take that step up!” 

May God give each of us the strength to do just this no matter what problems or challenges we encounter.  Remember, God loves you and so do I!