Rocky always appreciates me keeping up to date on new horse training methods and magazine articles on horses and their riders. I came across one such article about bears in the woods and how to handle this type of emergency. The magazine had laid out some “do’s and don’ts” while camping or riding in bear country. It so happens here at the ranch that we have an occasional bear or two roaming about. I myself have seen them or their tracks.
In the article that I read one thing especially stood out to me. It said that a few people have been attacked by a charging bear, and survived. They did so by turning their horse head on to the bear, and running full tilt toward the bear while shouting. Seeing this awesome sight of horse and rider sends the bear back.
Now this principle will only work if the horse you are riding completely trusts its rider. To charge an angry bear is exactly opposite of a horse’s natural instinct. His instinct tells him to turn tail and run! It is a known fact that a bear can out run a horse for a short sprint. That is why facing a bear is better than running. As a human, I know this fact, however, Rocky doesn’t; he only knows me and has to decide if he trusts me or not.
In this world that we live in we will face many “bears” (i.e. troubles, ills, tribulations, and fear of the future) What I have to remind myself, when I am under attack, is to trust my Master and Lord – Jesus Christ! I don’t have to turn tail and run when I feel attacked by trouble. I can face it head on, without fear, in Christ’s holy power.
This method of staying safe while facing an angry bear will only work if my horse Rocky trusts me. God gives us His word and promises that if we trust in Him and the power of his name that Satan and his demons will flee. James 4:7 says it this way: “Therefore submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Let us start today to build that strong bond of trust in Christ and through Him we will be more than conquerors. Romans 8:37 “ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” |
God Bless!
Mr. Matt and his famous horse, Rocky |
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