The Onslaught-Pagan Church

Be Strong

SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP

By Nii Odoom Anokwafo Annoh

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule "braying" or whatever

mules do when they fall into wells.

After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer

sympathized with the mule, but decided that

neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving.

Instead he called his neighbors together and told

them what had happened...and enlisted them to

help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back..a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of 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 encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old

mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking

it off and stepping up!

It was not long before the old mule, battered and

exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of

that well. What seemed like would bury him,

actually blessed him...all because of the manner in

which he handled his adversity.

That's life! If we face our problems and respond to

them positively, and refuse to give in to panic,

bitterness or self-pity...the adversities that come

along to bury us usually have within them the

potential to benefit and bless us!

Remember forgiveness-faith-prayer-praise and

hope.... All are excellent ways to "shake it off and

step up", out of the wells in which we find

ourselves!

One more thing..."never be afraid to try something

new. Remember, amateurs built the ark.

Professionals built the titanic."