Hope is Shannon’s favorite horse. She really is a special animal but Shannon has never explained to Hope that she’s a horse. Hope always wonders why she’s not allowed to go for a ride in the gator or why she has to stay in the pasture with the other horses. Hope is more like a giant dog than a horse.
Hope has cancer. The only place she can be treated is the Texas A&M Large Animal Clinic. She is about to have her sixth procedure.
Still, knowing what happens when she is loaded into the trailer, Hope always lets Shannon lead her in because, even though she doesn’t understand why, she knows that Shannon always has her best intentions at heart. Hope trusts Shannon. This is the reason Hope will follow Shannon anywhere. Hope is also a good model of what it means to be a faithful Christian.
Just like Hope trusts Shannon to always do what is right, God wants us to do the same.
Just like Hope loves Shannon even though she’s going through painful procedures, God wants us to continue to love, even when our lives take unexpected turns.
Just like Hope follows Shannon in the barn, pasture, trailer, and if we aren’t careful, even into the gator, God wants us to follow him.
Hope is a good model of what it is to truly trust.
Solomon said: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
Today, no one is going to lead you into a livestock trailer for a trip to A&M, but more than likely, something unexpected will happen. Put your trust in God to see you through. This doesn’t mean your life will always be easy but you will be on the right path.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, in those moments when I am tempted to give into fear of the unknown, give me the strength to trust you to lead me. Forgive my moments of doubt and despair and make me the person you created me to be. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Trusting God is always the right answer.
Also, just for the record, in my next life, I want to be one of Shannon’s horses.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 