Sunday, August 20, 2006

Listening for the Father

One summer night we were riding our horses back from a local horse show. It was about three miles home, and the only light was from the stars and just a sliver of moonlight. As long as I could see my Dad's horse ahead I was fine. But occasionally I would lose sight of him in the poor visiblity and get frightened. I knew my sisters were behind me, so I would call over my shoulder to them and reassure myself. I would pull the leather reins to my chest and slow to a walk -- listening for the sound of my daddy's Saddlehorse on the pavement. Then I would call out to him, "Dadddddy...wait." A second would pass and I would hear, "Come on, y'all. Keep up." Just knowing that he was going before me wasn't enough. I had to hear his voice.

As Christians, we know that, as the song says, God walks the dark hills to guide our footsteps. But just knowing that is not enough to keep us on the right track. We need to hear His voice daily. If we have to slow down to hear it, then so be it. But once we've done that and have gotten our bearings, He expects us to forge ahead full speed on course. God has a plan for us, and He wants us to get with the program and keep up. Sometimes He may lead us down a dark path --where the visibility is poor. Sometimes it might frighten us to follow. But He knows the way. He will never lead us away from our heavenly goal. We have to have childlike trust. We have to hear His voice and follow it. And always know that someone is following you...watching you...to see how you will respond to the challenges you've been given.

'Til tomorrow friends-- Happy Trails.
Listening for the Father
Riding Lesson

6 comments:

rena said...

Yup, another great post. So true. He indeed does forge ahead of us in the dark places.

sweetmagnolia said...

You made a comment that struck a chord with me. You said that it wasn't enough to merely follow in your father's tracks, but it was vital that you hear his voice. That is so true of us when it comes to our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Sometimes we must hear, must discern his voice before we can take another step forward.

Karla said...

A very good post. A great reminder to slow down and call out to Him and listen.

C. H. Green said...

Thanks for the comments. Hope everyone is having a great morning.

Diane Viere said...

Once again, Cindy, I get goose-bumps reading your posts! It isn't enough to see where we're going (have a plan, make a goal)...we need to listen to the Voice of the One who has purposed our path! It's amazing that we can get lost with every twist and turn mapped out! Your post today has struck a chord...stop doing...and start listening!

Diane

Lisa said...

AMEN! Sometimes this journey called life is so scary. I think sometimes, I'm afraid of everything and then I am embarrassed because I know that God is with me and that I shouldn't be afraid. But I am human. I am weak. I am afraid. But God is always there to help me. I do hear his voice in the craziness of my days and find a peace that only He can give me. Praise God!!

But it is a crazy ride this life, is it not?

Thx for the reminder!