A parable is told of a mule that fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying (or whatever mules do when they fall into wells), but after assessing the situation, he decided that neither the mule nor the well were worth saving. Instead, he called his neighbors, told them what happening and asked them to help haul dirt to bury the mule in the well. At first the old mule was hysterical, but as the dirt hit his back, a thought occurred to him: Every time dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up. This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up … shake it off and step up … shake it off and step up,” he repeated to himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation, the mule fought panic and kept shaking it off and stepping up. It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What he thought would bury him instead helped him because he handled his adversity. That’s life! If we face our problems, respond to them positively and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness or self pity, the adversities we face could actually benefit us. Listen to what the word of God says, “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:2-4 NLT. Each of us faces giants of adversity at some point in our lives. Allow them to draw you closer to Christ. Take courage and comfort in knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you, and that He is always present in this journey we call life. Just like the mule, “step up and shake it off.” You will emerge stronger and better equipped to face anything that comes your way. Remember that forgiveness, faith, prayer, praise and hope help us step out of the wells in which we find ourselves. Remember, the battle is the Lord’s. On the journey with you, Pastor Mike
