Not My First Rodeo
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
When I hear the word rodeo, all kinds of thoughts come to mind. I see bull and bronco riding, lassoing, barrel racing and tying calves, goofy clowns and then there is the aroma of Texas hots! What a picture I can conjure by mentioning just one word.
Personally, I think life is sort of like a rodeo. Some days we sit in the grandstand and watch what everyone else is doing. We cheer for people we don’t even know and offer prayers for the downed cowboy who is not getting up. Yes, a rodeo has something for everyone!
There are also those other days when we find ourselves sitting on the back of a bucking bronco and waiting for the gate to open. Hold on to your hat because those are the times when life can change quickly…and not so gently! We suffer bruises of all kinds as the horse kicks its heels—almost as if to make fun of us.
Life events can throw us down and knock the wind out of us,
Thankfully, from our ground position, we see the clowns rush in to get the horse’s attention and protect us from any further physical harm. (Our egos take a beating but there are no broken bones this time.) The on lookers see the clowns as amusing men in their outrageous garb, but we, the riders, look at them through a distinctly thankful lens. (Don’t we all have a few of those clowns who come to our rescue regardless of the danger?)
Never are we ready for the bucking bronco or the agitated bull! Perhaps lassoing is better for us. It takes practice to ride a horse, lasso and tie but it can be done. Timing is everything. Not for one second can the calf think it is in control even when it gives a great chase. This sounds like life.
In obedience to Him we rein in all those negative and destructive thoughts that the enemy throws at us. However, knowing that Jesus Christ is already the victor helps us take hold with a firmer grip. There will be wild bronco and bull riding days ahead for all of us. Just hang on!
Heavenly Father, thank You for drawing us closer to You. Help us to get rid of the negative thoughts and actions and to be more like You. AMEN.