Blake Long

There’s nothing better than knowing the Lord is right beside me, most certainly when I feel like a failure. I can look to his words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

This is the main message of Hannah E. Harrison’s new children’s book entitled The Good Farmer and the Worried Donkey: A Story about Finding Peace in God’s Strength.

The book begins with Philippians 1:6, which says, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” That is one of my favorite verses, definitely when I’m feeling down in my walk with Jesus.

The story of the good farmer and the worried donkey is a story of God’s preserving power and the rest we have in him. The most heartwarming page of the book is when the donkey is unable to carry the load and the farmer takes his place. The farmer says, “Easy Charlie, don’t be shaken … You’re my donkey, and this yoke is mine.”

A sign of possession; a picture of God being our good father. And then at the end the farmer says, “It’s finished, Charlie! Well done!” A wonderful picture of Christ’s finished work on our behalf.

One of the “small” things I liked most about the book is the last page. The donkey finally got his carrot! It wasn’t used as a way to make the donkey keep going. It was a treat the donkey received by pure grace and love from the farmer’s heart. An unmistakable sign of God’s love for his children and all that he gives us in Christ.

Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Honestly, buy it for yourself and relish in the simple yet profound biblical truths of this book!