Ron's Insights 2013

FaithWalk: Responding to God

by Ron Susek

©Golden Quill Publications

      Horses have always fascinated me. As a boy I would tie my wooden horse in the yard for grazing, then bring him in at night. I have studied horse training over the years and today enjoy having two horses. I kid people that one will give you a heavenly ride and the other will put you in heaven . . . just kidding, of course.

      You have heard the term "breaking a horse." You may have seen videos of a cowboy jumping on a wild horse while the horse kicks and bucks. Trainers have discovered that this is nonsense. Within one to three hours of proper "desensitization" you can mount a wild horse without so much as a twitch.

      Here is how it works. Horses are not predators. They don't have fangs and claws for killing. Thus, God designed them as a fear animal that will run from trouble. To jump on a wild horse's back scares the life out of him because he thinks you are a predator out to harm or kill him. So, he bucks.

      To properly "break" a horse is to gently get him over his fears. You first desensitize him (or, help him feel safe) with noises, ropes, saddles and your presence. I have seen horses stand unflinchingly calm as proper hosres trainers stood on their backs cracking whips on the ground around them. It didn't take a "horse whisperer," just someone who helped the horse overcome his fears. Then, it is a beautiful sight as the horse and rider become as one. The horse is designed by God to want to be your partner once he knows you are safe and know what you are doing.

      So it is with God and you. In our two previous lessons we saw the importance of the first two stepping stones: Learning about God and, thereby, coming to know God. This is all foundational to the third stepping stone of faith. Remember, when you were first converted, you were full of questions, doubts, fears and many other concerns. Perhaps you saw faith as a creed rather than a relationship.

      God is patient. He doesn't jump on your back and laugh as you buck in fear. He never pushes beyond what you are ready to learn and do.

      Keep in mind that you are transitioning from a person born in sin, with all the "wild" misunderstandings that bears. You were raised in a world that taught you to trust in yourself. Now, you are facing a God who is saying, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."¹

Immanuel: God is with you!

Your friend,

Ron

¹Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

²Hebrews 11:6