Shannon has a paint horse named Shiloh. She is one of the most beautiful creatures I have ever seen.
Shiloh is an American Paint horse. She’s black and white with sky blue eyes.
We bought Shiloh when she was a small filly. The majority of each day, her owners kept her alone in a small stall. Shiloh had a very sour attitude because horses are social animals and she needed company. Then she came to our place.
Shannon immediately turned her out with the other horses, so she would not be alone, and more importantly, they would teach her some manners.
Now, Shiloh is a well-behaved, fun-loving horse that always wants attention and back rubs.
Yesterday was Shiloh’s first day of training. I truly enjoyed watching, but I am not sure Shannon had as much fun as I did. That’s because Shiloh doesn’t know she’s a horse. She thinks she’s a dog.
Now that Shiloh has manners, she’s incredibly gentle and trusting. Shannon had no trouble putting the saddle on her back or leading her to the round pen. Then the real fun started.
As Shannon stood in the center of the round pen, she tried to get Shiloh to slowly run (lope) in a circle around the pen. No matter what technique Shannon used, the horse would always walk back to the center of the pen hoping Shannon would rub her nose. Everywhere Shannon went, Shiloh was one step behind. Getting Shiloh to lope was not in the cards. Then Shannon tried something I had never seen before.
She began to slowly run around the pen. Of course, Shiloh, who truly sees Shannon as the one who saved her from a life of isolation, was always just one step behind. Wherever Shannon went, Shiloh was right behind. This got me thinking.
As I watched Shiloh follow Shannon, I realized that’s what God wants from us. We are to follow whatever path God takes us because God has saved us, loved us, and has promised to never leave us. All God asks is that we follow.
When the Israelites were about to take the scary path of invading the Promised Land, Moses told them he could not go but Joshua would lead the way. Then, to reassure the Israelites they were in good hands, Moses said, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Today, know that God goes before you. God wants you to trust and follow. He will take care of the heavy lifting. You are in good hands.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, as I face a new day, I know you are one step ahead of me. Help me follow your lead and lean upon you for guidance, wisdom, and strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Following God is always the right answer.
Also, today is round two for Shiloh’s training. I fully expect Shannon will be running around the round pen leading her very trusting horse. Wherever Shannon goes, Shiloh will follow.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 