I’ll never forget going to summer church camp as a child and going on the horse trails. Younger years there was a trainer who led as you rode, and I longed for the day when I could take the reins and ride ALONE. Well, that year finally came and I was so excited and jumped up on my horse, named LUCKY, and I began to trot off. I tried to turn the horse left, he wanted to go right. When I made attempts to slow down, he sped up going off the course causing the saddle to come loose and me to fall off. Thankfully the only injury was my ego! Someone retrieved Lucky and helped me back on, showing me the proper way to lead him. When the trail ended, we were handing the horses to the next riders and I handed over the reins and said, “If you are as lucky as I was on Lucky, then you will definitely be taught a thing or two!”
In Psalms 32:8-9 it says: “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
My horse had a bit and bridle, but it was me who was out of control with my thinking–requiring a spiritual bit and bridle to be put upon me to keep my pride in order. I love how we are promised that God will guide us along every pathway and watch over us. He does not need us to plan our own routes and hold tightly to the reins.
Life-changing moments stand out: the horse’s saddle, and the old, wooden, splintery pew in an outdoor open chapel service at the camp that same week. For that is where I released the control of the reins of my life and heart over to the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 8:17 “This reminded me that no one can discover everything God has created in our world, no matter how hard they work at it. Not even the wisest people know everything, even if they say they do!”
Lord, I ask that when I start to believe that I have it all under control and know everything, I pray that you knock me off the saddle again and help me to willingly hand back the reins and give you the control of my thoughts, actions, words and paths I take in life.
Leviticus 25:20-21 “But you might ask, ‘What will we eat during the seventh year, since we are not allowed to plant or harvest crops that year?” “I will order my blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a bumper crop, enough to support you for three years.”
BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS OVERFLOWING! He doesn’t owe me an answer, but I’m thankful that He always does give one IN HIS TIMING and I’m working harder each day at having more faith that when He says GO LEFT I will GO LEFT, even if I really think going right would be better! Sitting down in a seat of Faith will provide for me a better pathway paved!
2 Timothy 4:3-5 “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.”
I’m thankful for what I have been given and pray that I use it properly to help LEAD others to Christ!
Erica (guest on 66 Books)
Sixty-six books in a year 
There must be a Lucky at every camp; I totally relate to your example. I was hanging onto the underside of the neck of the pony on which I was so excited to ride! That’s still me; hanging on to this wild ride called life in Christ! Isn’t God good?!
Today’s reading really spoke to me about needing to trust Him…can you imagine trusting Him 1 year to take care of you for three? I’m glad you were able to give Him that trust.