A farmer purchased an old, run-down, abandoned farm with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise. The fields were overgrown with weeds, the farmhouse was falling apart, and the fences were collapsing.
On his first day of work, the town preacher stopped by to bless the man's work, saying, "May you and God work together to make this the farm of your dreams!"
A few months later, the preacher stopped by again. To his amazement, it was a completely different place. The farmhouse was completely rebuilt and in excellent condition. Plenty of cattle and other livestock were happily munching on feed in well-fenced pens, and the fields were filled with crops planted in neat rows.
"Amazing!" the preacher said. "Look what God and you have accomplished together!"
"Yes, reverend," said the farmer. "But remember what the farm was like when God was working it alone!"