I love the old story about an out-of-towner who inadvertently drove his fancy new car into a ditch out in a desolated area. Fortunately, for him, a local farmer was soon there to help with his big strong horse named Buddy.
The farmer hitched Buddy up to the car and then yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move. Not one muscle. Next, the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy still didn't respond. Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Custer, pull!" Again, nothing. Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" Thereupon, the horse easily dragged the car right up out of the ditch.
The motorist was most appreciative. But he was also quite curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three different times. The farmer said, "Oh, that? Well, you see, Ol’ Buddy is blind; and if he thought for one minute that he was the only one pullin’, he wouldn't even try!"
It is easy to get discouraged in life if we are made to feel like we are laboring all alone in a given task. No one wants to carry a burden all by themselves.
The great thing about being a part of God’s kingdom is that we are not alone. We have others who labor with us. We do not shoulder the work of the kingdom all by ourselves.
To begin with, we have fellow believers laboring with us. And as the Bible reminds us in the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes (chapter 4, verses 9-12):
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Having others united with us in our purpose is important as we seek to live for our Lord. But even more important than this is the presence of the Lord Himself. We also have Him with us. We have his Word on that, for He gave us this promise (in Hebrews 13:5): “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So, remember this, my friend, wherever you are, whoever you are, and whatever you have been called to do for the Lord, you are not alone! God will always give us the support we need, either through others who come along beside us or through his enduring presence.
I hope that thought inspires and encourages you as you serve Him! Hang in there! Keep on pulling your share! In due time, the victory will be yours! God will see to that.
STORY SOURCE:
https://www.cybersalt.org/inspiration/illustrations/.
BIBLICAL SOURCES:
http://biblehub.com/niv/ecclesiastes/4.htm.
http://biblehub.com/kjv/hebrews/13-5.htm.
The farmer hitched Buddy up to the car and then yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move. Not one muscle. Next, the farmer hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy still didn't respond. Once more the farmer commanded, "Pull, Custer, pull!" Again, nothing. Then the farmer nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" Thereupon, the horse easily dragged the car right up out of the ditch.
The motorist was most appreciative. But he was also quite curious. He asked the farmer why he called his horse by the wrong name three different times. The farmer said, "Oh, that? Well, you see, Ol’ Buddy is blind; and if he thought for one minute that he was the only one pullin’, he wouldn't even try!"
It is easy to get discouraged in life if we are made to feel like we are laboring all alone in a given task. No one wants to carry a burden all by themselves.
The great thing about being a part of God’s kingdom is that we are not alone. We have others who labor with us. We do not shoulder the work of the kingdom all by ourselves.
To begin with, we have fellow believers laboring with us. And as the Bible reminds us in the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes (chapter 4, verses 9-12):
9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Having others united with us in our purpose is important as we seek to live for our Lord. But even more important than this is the presence of the Lord Himself. We also have Him with us. We have his Word on that, for He gave us this promise (in Hebrews 13:5): “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
So, remember this, my friend, wherever you are, whoever you are, and whatever you have been called to do for the Lord, you are not alone! God will always give us the support we need, either through others who come along beside us or through his enduring presence.
I hope that thought inspires and encourages you as you serve Him! Hang in there! Keep on pulling your share! In due time, the victory will be yours! God will see to that.
STORY SOURCE:
https://www.cybersalt.org/inspiration/illustrations/.
BIBLICAL SOURCES:
http://biblehub.com/niv/ecclesiastes/4.htm.
http://biblehub.com/kjv/hebrews/13-5.htm.