Only When The Ox Is In The Mire

It is not uncommon in life to find ourselves invoking the “ox is in the mire” reasoning to justify a certain action or inaction. But, is it possible that some of these situations arise in our lives specifically so that we have the opportunity to show the Lord that we are not just fair weather friends? In Matthew 5:46 the Lord says, “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?”

I am not implying that the ox is never in the mire. But I do know that our only real opportunity to show the Lord that we are committed to paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy or even abstaining from “R” rated movies is when it is hard.

Mark 12:41-44
…and many that were rich cast in much. 42. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43. And [Jesus] called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury: 44. For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.