Horses are creatures controlled by fear, anxiety, and the desire to run from all problems. They are bound to remain in this prison unless someone steps into their world and replaces their fear with peace and their selfishness with companionship. The action of breaking this fear is a beautiful process of patience, grace, and consistent expectation. The journey requires patience and grace to remain, but the expectations must grow. Each small step is celebrated as the connection strengthens and the trust builds.
One of my favorite steps along this journey of growth is the “send” command. This is a compelling inspection of the depth of trust developed in previous steps. This command asks the horse to step away from us toward or into something that may appear frightening. At first, it may be stepping over something or into something new. In time it advances toward walking into a stall, trailer, or new barn. This action of trust is vital to the safety of the horse. It involves entering a trailer, walking into a veterinary building, or entering a stall at a new rodeo grounds. We send them into a situation we know to be best for them and they must trust our intentions and our continued presence even as we send them away from us.
God deals with us in a similar manner. He loves us with unconditional patience and grace. He replaces our selfishness with companionship. When He decides the time is right He sends us out to do the work of His kingdom. We must trust His command and go regardless of how frightful it may appear to us. This is the foundation of the Great Commission.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We go because we trust. Our trust is in the King of the universe who created all things and sustains all things. Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world!
PRAISEALLUJIAH!
Jon