Sunday, July 26, 2009

R.O.D.E.O.

What’s RODEO got to do with the Faith Walk?

Plenty.

When my husband was a rodeo clown and bullfighter, faith was the main course for every meal. Along with extra helpings of prayer and trust.

During those exciting years of crisscrossing the country from one rodeo arena to the next, we had faith that God was taking care of us as we traveled and worked. We prayed for His protection over our children, our vehicle, our animals and ourselves. And we trusted that He would lead us in the direction of His choosing.

A rodeo bullfighter is a great metaphor for Christ: he puts his life on the line to rescue the bull rider from certain injury or death. He is the “savior” who pulls the rider’s hand free from a twisted rope, or throws himself between a fallen cowboy and a charging bull.

“It’s my job,” my husband Mike once told a grateful rider who nearly had his bell rung.

“But there’s someone else who’s done a whole lot more for you,” Mike continued. “Jesus died to save you and give you eternal life.”

Today we no longer rodeo, so what could it possibly have to do with our life when there’s no more bullfighting, no more arenas, no more all-night, red-eye drives from one state to another?

Everything.

Rodeo reminds me how to face the bucking, twisting circumstances that often charge into my otherwise orderly life. Rodeo reminds me that I’m not in control, but God is. And rodeo helps me keep my concentration where it needs to be:

Rely
On
Divine
Energy
Only

Putting my faith in God means trusting Him to give me the strength I need.

So, saddle up!

II Corin. 4:8,9

www.davalynnspencer.com

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A favorite verse

Due to a family member's upcoming surgery, I will not be posting this week. However, as a thank-you for stopping by my blog, I'd like to offer you one of my favorite verses:

Because You are my help,
I sing in the shadow of Your wings. (Psalm 63:7)

What a great comfort!