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.

Check out more from Tony Evans @ Tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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