Saturday 31 July 2010

We were not designed to backup!



Scripture: “For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall.” Psalm 18:29


Back! Back! Back!

Seldom have I observed a horse backup on its own without a rider or trainer coaxing it. If a horse finds itself in a place where it has to backup it is usually not by choice. Horses want to be able to run, escape or get away. They cannot see behind them so backing up is something they try to avoid. When a horse backs out of a trailer it is not a very graceful sight. They can’t see where they are going, usually the last step out is traumatic and yet at our urging and coaxing they do it. Amos backs up when I urge him to but he does not do it gracefully at all. He would prefer to go ahead and just re-circle or try another approach.

I don’t retreat very well either. Yet, I find myself going ahead without paying close attention to my Lord and find myself in big trouble spiritually. I say things that are inaccurate and have to “backup” and correct what I said. I am even learning to ask for direction and admit when I am lost, which is a relief to my wife. The less we have to backup, the better. How are you doing?

Prayer Thought: Jesus, as I go forward today, help me not to get ahead of you. I really would prefer not to have to backup.

9 comments:

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

I myself tend to be a hider and cautious in going on rather than a runner. But I do have my times of charging full steam ahead and need often to remind myself to check with God.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Horses are alert - they are cautious! if you don't believe it, take one across a stream! most are cautious, few are bold or aggressive in unfamiliar territory. Backing up? Not even designed by God to do that - Go forward, look straight ahead Michelle.

Parsley said...

Great analogy!

I remember riding a horse through a deep creek once. Almost floated off his back but I was the one trusting him because I had NO idea what to do.

Carol said...

Excellent analogy, Papa. When I get ahead of God, I always mess things up, then He has to clean them up, and I have to "backup". Not a pretty picture. Thanks for these words of truth and wisdome!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Carol - What pace do we go at? God's pace. Did you ever see people try to race backing up? We just don't do that well!!

CrossView said...

There have been times when I've had to back up at the leading of my Trainer. My grace may have been lacking but His never was. ;o)

Sometimes we do have to back up - not always because of our own choices. But his leading will always get us on the right path!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview, I find I have to backup at times as well. It usually is to correct something - or to head another direction. I do it more than I like.

Ed said...

I have been compared to a horse's behind on more than one occasion, so thanks for letting me know where the expression comes from. LOL

Being just a tad stubborn I sometimes just keep walking straight into that wall. The only thing I accomplish is getting a headache.

I would like to think I am getting better at listening to your advice, to admit I am wrong, and to back up and start going in the right direction, but I still do have an extra large bottle of aspirin in my medicine cabinet.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Ed - LOL!! I have walked into those walls before as well! But what really ticks me off is walking into those plate glass walls/doors that you don't see until you smash your face into one! Ed, I think you listen very well - I think we both learn from each other.

Your buddy,
PAPA