Be still, and know that I am God. – Psalm 46:10 NKJV
A little bird was flying south for the winter, but the air became so cold that it began to freeze. The bird collapsed in a large field where a herd of cows were grazing. Eventually, a cow came by and dropped manure on the freezing bird. At first, the bird was very upset, until it felt how warm the manure was. Before too long, it began to thaw out and became so excited that it started singing with joy.
A cat happened to be passing by and heard the bird’s joyful song. He followed the sound to the pile of manure and started digging until he discovered the little bird and promptly ate it.
There are a number of lessons we can learn from this little story. First, not everybody who drops manure on you is your enemy. Second, not everybody who digs you out is your friend. Finally, when you’re in manure, keep your mouth shut.
If we live long enough, each one of us will find ourselves in a situation that seems much worse than we can bear. To follow the story line above, we’ll feel as though we are under a pile of manure. However, if our expectations are set on Jesus Christ and His providential care, we won’t stumble at the thought of going through a time of trial. In fact, we’ll have His hope to comfort us even in what appears to be a hopeless situation. If you feel as though you are in a horrendous situation, be still before the Lord. Seek Him in prayer and wait for His will to unfold before you. Don’t rush ahead because He will come to you.
