“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

God had an amazing plan for Saul. He was going to be the first King over Israel. From the outside, he had everything going for him. Yet before he could step into the kingship, he had to go on a ‘donkey mission’. His father lost his donkeys and sent Saul to find them in the wilderness. It was something so simple, anyone could do it, yet Saul was chosen to go. From the surface, it looks like a job or task that isn’t fit for a future King. Yet Saul faithfully goes anyway.

As believers, we too can rest in the promises of being co-heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven, but that time isn’t here yet. Scripture also tells us that we were all created with unique giftings, talents, and a plan for our lives. Yet the problem is, we also must go on Donkey missions. Before we can get to our greater mission, God will often take us on lesser missions.

Maybe you feel like you’re on a donkey mission in some area of your life right now. Maybe it’s at home, in your classroom at school, or maybe it’s at work and the job you are doing right now. Donkey missions are not pointless. They have a purpose. They test and refine our patience, and they build up our trust and faith in God. It’s the donkey missions that will lead us to our greater mission.

This week, let’s be humble enough, patient enough, and faithful enough to trust God while we are on the donkey missions of our life.