Things didn’t go according to plan yesterday and I landed in a deep pool of pain. My initial reaction was, mistakenly, to summon my own horsepower to counter the situation. But then the RIGHT RESPONSE popped up on my mind’s screen: Recognize my INADEQUACY without God and go to him IMMEDIATELY.
OK…so far, so good. But then I wondered: WHAT EXACTLY SHOULD I DO AND THINK?
Since all of us encounter this very same question at one point or another, I want to help you prepare NOW for the next trial–a small disappointment or a giant challenge—that hits your life’s beach.
The first step? GO TO SCRIPTURE. There is an endless list of powerful verses, but here are the four that animated my response to yesterday’s challenge:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9-10
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
You will have your own “go-to” verses. That’s great. The point is to have them ready and accessible.
Christians who trust their own horses–any natural, self-powered means of protection and support—disconnect themselves from God’s glorious power.
WHY?
Because running our own “protection” STABLE of horses to get us through this life WRONGLY elevates us above Christ.
On the saddle’s other side is the promise that if we trust God for the horsepower we need to live this life on earth, we will receive perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3-4). But there is a condition to that promise: We must trust, surrender, and obey God. And we must shut down our own stable of horses.
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.” Proverbs 21:31
Running your own horse stable to generate your personal horsepower breeds overconfidence in self. God says: “come to Me” (Matthew 11:28).
I ask God to turn me away from trying to generate my own horsepower. To guide me to him and him alone for the power to live a Christ-like life.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Which horse will you ride to your next battle?
“The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31
