Last week we visited my children’s great-grandfather.
Great-Grandfather: “Are you taking horse-riding lessons yet?”
My kids: “No.”
Great-Grandfather (looking straight at me): “You mean your mother took riding lessons growing up and none of you have gotten on a horse yet?”
All four kids turned and stared at me. Ugh.
Of course the thought of introducing English horse riding to my kids crossed my mind. But after some consideration, I let the thought scamper away.
I initially learned to ride in the verdant hills of Virginia. Priceless memories.
Equestrian is a wonderful sport. Dating back in history. Horses themselves are noble creatures. The thrill of galloping with your horse and experiencing the beauty of the outdoors. All good.
Until you’ve seen someone thrown off a horse and injure themselves. Break a bone or experience a spinal injury. That sort of thing.
That’s why none of my kids are riding.
As parents, we have this protective mode we function in. Because we know the dangers and consequences of what’s out there in the world more than our children do.
God the Father is also protective of us, His children. How much more.
In Isaiah 48:16-18, God the Father, gives Isaiah these words to give to His children, the Israelites:
“And now, the Sovereign Lord and His Spirit have sent me with this message. This is what the Lord says—Your Redeemer:
‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.
Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river.”
- God desires to teach His children.
- God wants them to discern what is good.
- God will lead them in the right paths.
- Result of heeding God’s instructions is peace.
The Israelites’ worship of idols and turning away from God led to their captivity. Had they listened and followed God’s admonishment regarding idolatry, they would have not been defeated by the Babylonians. His children would have experienced peace and freedom instead.
Is there something in your life you struggle to yield to God? Don’t get thrown off your path of following Him. He is a good, good Father. He wants you, His child, to make the right choices that honor Him and which lead to flowing peace.
Choose to follow God’s path and receive His peace. Let His Real Truth lead you.