Animals see you. The real you. They read your spirit, your intentions, and know your heart. As a child I trusted animals and sought their company. Growing up, I took a stake in the heart on the few occasions an animal didn’t immediately fall in love with me. Critters were my safe place, my comfort zone, my friends, my family.
Rejection from a person was understandable. From an animal it was traumatic. Who else is as open and tolerant? Who else loves awkward little girls without condition?
Jesus.
Horses and Jesus
Relationship with horses led to a deeper understanding and appreciation of what Jesus did for me. Until you’ve made a commitment without limitations, it’s impossible to grasp the magnitude of Jesus’s act of love on the Cross.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.”
I’ve made that promise to quite a few horses over the years, but not all. I meant it and kept it. Sometimes the cost was significant. God, in His generous wisdom, helped me grasp the extent of His promise to me. I’ve never had to lay down my life for a horse or dog, but I’ve put it on the line more than once.
Commitment means no matter what.
Becoming Christ-Like
There is no substitute for Jesus Christ and it is not possible to be in a transformative relationship with a horse unless you are willing to be changed yourself. We are daily called to become more like Christ. That means putting others first.
We’re required to understand the unbreakable link between authority and humility. The more you learn how to be in right relationship with a horse the deeper your understanding of Jesus becomes. I become a worthy master by submitting to the most worthy Master.
Faith grows and fear recedes.
The promises of Christ become real, relevant, and as good as done.
Horses and Gospel Principles
The fruit of using gospel principles in relationship with a horse produces a longing in the spirit of those you encounter for the same relationship with their horse you have with yours. Humans crave what Christ offers but there’s only one way to receive it. Other equestrians want a horse that reads their body language, offers obedience without thought, and exemplifies the miracle that is oneness with a horse.
That’s what relationship with Jesus is. Obedience without thought and a miraculous oneness of spirit.
Few are willing to do what is required to build such relationship. It’s not the work of a day, week, or year. It’s the commitment of forever, no matter how long forever turns out to be.
Once you’ve tasted it, there’s no turning back.
Related post: Learning About Christian Character From A Horse
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8 Responses
Love this! Thank you!!!
Thank you for the note, Julie. Miraculous indeed!
This article is on time, and I can’t believe it is almost a year later…
God’s timing is always perfect!
Wow. Love this. Prayed for a sign on whether or not to pursue Equine Assisted Learning and use it for Christ.
Dee, did you get your answer?
Blessings, Lynn
I agree. The horse keeps me grounded and brings my attention and focus as to what really matters. Commitment, integrity, patience and a deeper connection to Him, the I Am. Ty susan
Recently, I’ve discovered that non-human created things or critters teach me more about God than the human. Maybe it’s a stage, but there’s a purity and naturalness that is sadly lacking in many people. Thank you for sharing your observations, Susan.
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