A kind old farmer loved his farm animals very much. Over the years, the caring man had sacrificed much to protect and provide for each of them.
On the day before his 75th birthday, all the animals met in the barn to discuss the celebrations. Many ideas were shared, then the donkey raised his head and brayed a suggestion that everyone liked. “What about a special meal in his honor? What about making him breakfast? The master loves breakfast!”
“Oh yes, yes!” the animals cheered. “It’s the perfect idea! We’ll make the master breakfast!”
For several excited moments, each of the animals deliberated over what they could do to make the event a success.
It was the cow who was first to quiet the crowd and make her grand announcement. “I’ll provide the milk!” she mooed. “It’s the least I could do for a man who has done so much for me.”
Then the chickens began to cluck with excitement. “And We’ll provide the eggs!” said the hens.
Cheers filled the barn.
The pig looked around at all his friends. He glanced in the direction of his stall, surveyed the familiar surroundings, then let his gaze carry him beyond the large wooden doors. Across the barnyard, the pig could see his friend, the kind old farmer, petting the family dog. A warm feeling of peace rushed over him. Love flooded his heart and the spirit of thanksgiving welled up inside.
“I too shall make a contribution!” said the pig boldly. “For my master, I will provide the bacon.”
Devotional
Job 13:15 (NKJV) “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.”
Are you that sold out?
We live in a world of convenient, religious platitudes. We live in a pampered culture that likes to make big claims about great levels of spiritual commitment while, in truth, most of our boastings come without risk and cost us nothing in order to claim them. Words are cheap! What if you and I were asked to actually walk the path of Job? What if God needed us to demonstrate Job’s level of loyalty? Would we survive?
Prior to his amazing statement of faith, Job had been decimated by Satan. He had lost his wealth, his health, and even his children. There was no explanation from God and only the worst advice from his wife and closest friends. The valley into which he had been cast was dark, lonely, and seemingly without hope, yet Job remained faithful.
Job is an amazing hero of the Old Testament, a man whose story survives the ages, not because of the tragedy he endured, but because of the victory he won for God. Even in the midst of tragic loss, horrible suffering, and all the unanswered questions, Job still honored his Master. His unconditional commitment humiliated Satan, routed the demons, and exalted God’s name in the heavens. If you will allow me to paraphrase, what Job was saying is this, “Though my name is on the menu, yet will I honor my Master.”
What about you? Will you move your faith beyond convenience? Will you renew your commitment to be totally sold out to God? Will you muster enough courage to say it? Will you bow your head and speak the words – “Lord, though You slay me, yet will I trust you”? Will you make it real?
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The story above was taken from the book, “Sonny Day Devos” by Sonny Childs. This heartwarming collection of short stories is sure to inspire happy thoughts and healthy applications.
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