“If you see the donkey of someone who hates you struggling beneath a heavy load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and offer to help” (Exodus 23:5 NLT).
I have to tell you upfront, although I live in the country, I don’t have any neighbors who own donkeys. Of all the people who even strongly dislike me, none I know own donkeys, either. I will admit, that literally speaking, I could just write this verse off as “speaking to another”…you know, another believer who has neighbors who own donkeys.
But that’s not the point, is it?
Would a donkey, in today’s time, be the car that won’t start? The lawnmower that’s not running smoothly? The dog that continually visits our yard? The wind blown trash that seems to end up on our side of the line? Could it be the plant on a person’s front porch needing water? The laundry that’s come unpinned from the clothesline?
I can continue being oblivious to the happenings around me that might offer opportunities for sharing Him, or I can jump in with both feet. I can beg and plead Him to give me a mission field, or I can open my eyes to the one He’s already provided—next door.
I’m going to stop ignoring donkeys. What about you?
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for generous, cheerful givers to the World Missions Offering. Ask God to begin with you.
