Growing up we were very active in 4-H and I would always do the annual horse show. One of the timed events was pole racing and my dad saddled Joe for me to race with.
Joe was strong and very fast, but I was a small 14-year-old and a little scared. As the event began, I was flying around the poles and was going to have a great time.
On a bridle, under attached to the bit (the part that is in the horse’s mouth), is a little band that puts tension on the head that helps the rider have more control and turn the horse. As I went into the final pole to turn to go back to the finish, that part broke.
There is one part of this equation you need to know is Joe was part quarter horse and a small part thoroughbred. What that means is Joe took off at a speed that you would have thought I was riding a jet plane.
My brain kept telling my body, “I’m going to die.” My body was trying to turn the horse. My voice was in 100% agreement with my brain, and it kept screaming, “I’m going to die!”
Finally, my dad was able to get in front of Joe and he grabbed the reins. After dad calmed me down, he looked at me and said what I believe to be the worst phrase in the history of the universe. He said, “you know what they say about falling off a horse…”
I replied, “That’s never really applied to horses just life.”
As soon as I was saying that my father put me back on Joe. Then with the bridle fixed, I was off again, and I won first place. I did not win first place, but at least I did not go to the hospital. “Why is that?” you might ask. As I was rounding the last pole (which I think I will call the evil pole) the same exact thing happened again. Thankfully my dad was again able to get control of Joe before he jumped the arena fence.
As I got off Joe, I told my dad, “I want my mommy.” And I ran to mom.
Three things to remember. Number one, it is amazing the love God has for us. If you are truly saved, then God is your father and watches out for you. My Dad was willing to go in front of a racing horse to save me.
Number two, I did not fall off, because I held on so tight. In the same way, when you are in whirlwind of crises hold on to God that is stable and does not move.
Number three, wise animal sayings (early bird, when you fall off a horse etc.) don’t always work in regard to the animal they mention.
Finally, make sure that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior.
John 3:36- He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
This Wednesday at First Baptist Church (1101 N. Main) at 6 p.m. is Black Belt Bible. This is an exciting program to gets kids into the Bible. It is open to all!!!!
If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com