2005-02-16 - Humility

Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

On our farm, we have a small number of Quarter Horses. My family and I love showing a few of the horses. I saw a bumper sticker at a horse show last week that said, "Horses are proof that God loves us!" I believe that, but of course the greatest proof is Christ. Over the years, we have learned many different life lessons from our horses.

Gilbert is an older horse on our farm. All the other horses come running to the gate, ready to go in for feeding. But Gilbert can be pretty stubborn about coming into the barn at night from the pasture.

During a recent cold spell, Gilbert simply refused to be come in, and was not going to be caught. So, I said, "Gilbert, it is going to be very cold tonight; you had better come in!" But he was not budging. I knew he could get under the run-in shed and out of the wind - so he would be safe, but colder than being inside the barn. He got what he wanted, a night out!

The next morning I drove down to the barn. Gilbert was standing by the gate, looking very humble - and ready to get in the warm barn. He humbly let me put on his halter and lead him inside. And he has been quite humble ever since.

God allows us to have our "night outs" in the "cold." It must break God's heart, but being a loving and just God, he gives us the free will to do some stupid things with our lives. But I know His hope is for us to come humbly back to the gate, back to His waiting arms. I can't prove it, but I envision God always supernaturally holding onto us, even when we can't feel His presence. He patiently waits for us to reach out to Him. In times of despair and cold dark nights, when you feel alone and far from God, remember He is holding you - and you need to hold onto Him.

Father, forgive us when we run astray. Forgive us when we turn our backs on You and feel so self sufficient. Help us to always be humble and stay close to You. In Christ's name, amen.

Questions or Comments?
David

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