We are now 17 days into 21 Days of Prayer
This far into the new year, you are in the home stretch and as the challenge to stick to your goals intensifies, you may feel as though the part you must do and keep on doing, is over your head.
Remember the story of the farmer's donkey? The animal fell into a well and cried out horribly to be rescued. What had he gotten himself into? The farmer finally decided that the donkey was too old to put so much effort into rescuing so he decided to cover him up.
He called for some neighbors to help and they began shoveling dirt into the well, intending to bury the donkey. When the donkey realized what was going on, he cried loudly and desperately. It was so sad but the farmer and his neighbors kept shoveling. But then something happened.
The donkey quieted down.
Everyone was amazed at what they were witnessing ~ as each shovel of dirt hit the donkey's back, he would shake it off and take a step up.
So everyone kept shoveling and watched as the dirt landed on the animal's back, he would shake it off again and take another step up.
Amazingly, the donkey eventually stepped over the edge of the well and trotted off in freedom.
Now take a moment and repeat I Corinthians 10:13 out loud. It says, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
The next time you feel as though your goal is beyond your reach or that the task is over your head, don't panic. If the people you trust and depend on (the farmer and his neighbors) seem to turn their backs on you or shovel blame and fear to the point of smothering the life out of you, calm yourself and focus.
Remember that God has provided everything you need right in the midst of your desperation. Look for it! When the donkey calmed down, stopped crying and got focused, he could then see that what was meant for his harm could actually be used for his good. Can you see that?
God will take what looks like a frightening nightmare and turn it into a sunny day. He will open the eyes of your understanding, give you the wisdom to shake off your doubt and fears, and you will gain the courage to take a step up, getting closer and closer until you achieve your goals. You will see His light leading you out of a dark place and into marvelous light.
Let's pray!
Lord, today I trust in You more than I trust in man. I take You at your word, your promise to not let me be tried beyond what I can handle. Show me light in the midst of the darkness. Show me how to see my circumstances through your eyes.
Uncover what is hidden. Reveal what is woven into the very fabric of my greatest doubts and fears.
Your grace is sufficient for me. For it is made perfect in my weakness.
On this day, I am wise and courageous to face the things that oppose me.
When doubt shows up, I will shake it off and take a step up!
When fear strikes, I will shake it off and take a step up!
When uncertainty is presented to me, I will shake it off and take another step up, getting closer and closer to the goals that You have reserved for me in 2018.
In Jesus's name, Amen!
Inspiring hope and seasoning faith, Pastor Sean