One day, a donkey fell into a deep well. The animal cried out in distress, but the farmer, the owner of the donkey, decided that the donkey was old and that covering the well was more practical. So, he began to shovel dirt into the well to fill the well in. At first, the donkey’s cries grew louder, but then something remarkable happened. Instead of giving up, the donkey began to shake off the dirt and step up onto the growing mound. Each time a shovelful of dirt landed on its back, the donkey would shake it off and take another step. Eventually, the donkey stepped out of the well and trotted away, having turned the very dirt intended to bury it into a path to freedom.
Resilience is an incredible thing if you think about it. The google definition (taken from Oxford) of resilience is “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” My husband’s late grandmother always said, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” And when I consider what the 2023-2024 Jewish year brought for the people of Israel, the word resilience is the way I would describe the Jewish people.
When I look at the trials and tribulations that our Biblical ancestors have faced I think about Job:
Job’s story begins with him as a man of great wealth, health, and family, considered to be “blameless” and “upright” (Job 1:1). His comfortable life is upended when he loses everything—his possessions, his children, and his health—in a series of calamities. Despite the depth of his suffering, Job remains a model of perseverance.
In the face of his overwhelming losses, Job reacts with profound faith, stating:
This response illustrates Job’s commitment to maintaining trust in God despite the severe trials he faces.
Job’s friends arrive to offer comfort, but their advice is rooted in the belief that suffering must be a result of personal wrongdoing. Job, however, insists on his innocence and engages in a series of conversations with his friends, questioning the nature of divine justice. His discussions are marked by his search for understanding and a refusal to accept simple explanations for his suffering.
In Job 3, he expresses deep anguish and frustration but continues to seek answers from God rather than renounce his faith. This ongoing quest reflects his determination to understand his circumstances rather than give up.
The turning point in Job’s story comes when God speaks to him from a whirlwind, presenting a series of questions that emphasize the vastness and complexity of creation. Instead of providing direct answers, God’s response highlights the limits of human understanding and the mysterious nature of divine wisdom. Job responds with humility, saying:
Job’s story concludes with his fortunes being restored, reflecting not just a return to material wealth but a deeper spiritual understanding. His journey through suffering, marked by faith and introspection, leads to a renewed relationship with God and a greater appreciation for divine wisdom.
The donkey’s story and Job’s narrative are lessons in resilience. The donkey quite literally dug himself out of despair. And Job’s steadfast faith in the face of suffering showed how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth. While the donkey relied on his own actions to escape, Job’s story illustrates how faith in God can provide strength and guidance through even the most difficult times.
In our own lives, we may encounter situations that seem as overwhelming as a deep well. Resilience involves both personal effort and faith. We as a people must simultaneously take steps forward while seeking divine support. And with this combination, we can navigate life’s challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.
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