-
The Lost Donkeys That Found A King
Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 24, 2025 (message contributor)
The Lost Donkeys That Found a King
My name? Oh, I’m Dusty—one of the donkeys that belonged to Kish, a farmer from the tribe of Benjamin.
Life was simple for us: graze, walk, carry, rest, repeat.
I never imagined I’d be part of something royal!
But one morning, our fence gate swung open, and off we went—
me and two of my friends—trotting into the hills in search of sweeter grass.
We wandered farther… and farther… until, well—
we were lost.
Back at the farm, Kish was worried.
He sent his son Saul and a servant to find us.
Now Saul was tall—head and shoulders above everyone else—
but even he couldn’t spot three missing donkeys in the mountains!
They searched for days—through the rocky paths, dusty fields, and tiny villages.
Everywhere they asked, people just shook their heads.
No donkeys here.
Finally Saul sighed, “Let’s go home. My father will start worrying about us instead of the donkeys.”
But the servant said, “Wait! There’s a prophet nearby—maybe he can tell us where the donkeys are.”
So they went to see the prophet Samuel.
What Saul didn’t know was that God had already spoken to Samuel that morning:
“Tomorrow I will send you a man from Benjamin. You will anoint him ruler over My people.”
When Saul arrived, Samuel smiled—like he’d been expecting him all along.
He said, “Don’t worry about the donkeys. They’ve already been found.”
Then he added something that made Saul blink in surprise:
“And as for you… all Israel’s hope is set on you!”
Saul didn’t understand at first.
He thought he was chasing after donkeys—
but really, God was chasing after him.
Later that day, Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head and said,
“God has chosen you to be king over His people.”
And somewhere out in the hills, I brayed softly.
I never knew that our little escape would lead to a crown!
That night, I thought about it all.
Sometimes when things go wrong, they’re actually going right—
because God’s plans stretch far beyond what we can see.
---
Moral of the Story:
Even lost donkeys can lead someone to their destiny.
When life takes an unexpected turn, trust—
God might be guiding you to something greater.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Church Is Like Noah's Ark: The Stench Inside ... PRO
Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jul 29, 2003
“The church is like Noah’s ark: The stench inside would be unbearable if it weren’t for the storm outside. It’s true—sometimes we stink and the world is stormy. But as imperfect as we are on this side of heaven, the miracle is that God in fact chooses to ...read more
-
In 1829 A Man Named George Wilson Was Arrested ...
Contributed by Bruce Willis on Dec 29, 2006
In 1829 a man named George Wilson was arrested for robbery and murder in a US mail heist. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Some friends intervened on his behalf and were able to obtain his pardon from President Andrew Jackson. But when told of this, Wilson refused it ...read more
-
Faith Involves Resting Securely On God's ... PRO
Contributed by Peter Chan on Feb 11, 2005
Faith Involves Resting Securely on God’s Revelation –Entering the Ark. Noah’s faith in become a verb is completed with his entrance into the Ark with his family. It inspires me to learn that Noah was so confident about God’s promise and power that he went into the Ark with his family. It is one ...read more
-
Jeremy Bassett's 5-Year-Old Niece, Olivia, And ... PRO
Contributed by Paul Decker on May 19, 2004
Jeremy Bassett’s 5-year-old niece, Olivia, and her best friend, Claire, were participating in a nativity play at school. Claire was playing Mary, and Olivia was an angel. Before the show, a young boy was going around the dressing room repeating, "I’m a sheep, what are you?" Each child responded ...read more
-
Once We Were In Bondage Satan And Sin. But ... PRO
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Jun 19, 2004
Once we were in bondage Satan and sin. But Jesus set us free. A story told by Paul Lee Tan illustrates the meaning of redemption. He said that when A.J. Gordon was pastor of a church in Boston, he met a young boy in front of the sanctuary carrying a rusty cage in which several birds fluttered ...read more
Related Sermons
-
How To Win The Battles Of Life Series
Contributed by Tom Shepard on Feb 18, 2016
This sermon looks at seven principles to win the battles of life. 1. Identify Your ENEMY 2. Don’t Be Driven By EMOTION 3. Take Your Problems To The LORD 4. Admit You Need HELP 5. Rely On God’s POWER 6. Relax In FAITH 7. Thank God In ADVANCE
-
God Of All Possibilities
Contributed by John Newbaker on Mar 15, 2020
I come today bringing good news. In a world full of bad news, could you use some good news?
-
Doors: Open Or Closed
Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Aug 24, 2017
The majority of the body of Christ believes that God opens doors (a "yes" answer to prayer) and closes doors (a "no" answer to prayer) in their lives. Does scripture support such a belief?
-
Power Of Obedience
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 25, 2017
Obedience is inherit in the relationship of man (as a created being) with God, the Creator. The New Covenant does not do away with the need for obedience to God. In fact, it supply the strength to live that way. Heaven will be a place of obedience to God.
-
Faith In Every Season Of Life Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 8, 2017
The natural seasons are winter, spring, summer and autumn; there are also spiritual seasons in our lives. What spiritual season are you experiencing now? Are you trusting God to help you in the season you are in?
Sermon Central