Howdy, folks. It’s Win or Lose, your favorite horse from the Connolly Saddlery spread, settin’ by the corral with a story to tell and some thoughts to chew on. I ain’t much for philosophizin’, but a while back, I had a moment that got me thinkin’ ‘bout the Red Sea—that Bible tale where the Israelites were pinned between a big ol’ stretch of water and Pharaoh’s army, waitin’ on the Good Lord to clear a path. See, I reckon every day’s a Red Sea moment, ‘specially after the first time I bucked my owner, Miss Bev, clean off my back. I didn’t mean no harm—just didn’t know what she wanted me to do. That tumble taught me ‘bout trustin’ when the way forward ain’t clear.
### Buckin’ at the Red Sea
Now, let me paint you the picture. I was a young horse, green as spring grass, when Miss Bev first climbed aboard. She was gentle but firm, tryin’ to guide me through a turn in the arena. But her cues? They were like a foreign language to me. Was I s’posed to go left? Right? Speed up or slow down? My head was spinnin’, and in a panic, I did what came natural—I bucked. Hard. Poor Miss Bev hit the dirt, and I stood there, heart racin’, feelin’ like I’d just kicked over a hornet’s nest.
That moment was my Red Sea. I was caught between not knowin’ what Miss Bev wanted and the fear of gettin’ it wrong. Life’s like that sometimes, ain’t it? You’re facin’ a bill you can’t pay, a job that’s gone sideways, or a family mess that’s got you tied in knots. You don’t know the way forward, and the pressure’s closin’ in like Pharaoh’s chariots. That’s when you feel like buckin’—lashin’ out or runnin’ off ‘cause you’re scared and confused.
### The Wait That Stings
After I sent Miss Bev flyin’, I figured I was in for it. Maybe a whip or a harsh word. But you know what she did? She dusted herself off, gave me a steady look, and climbed right back on. Didn’t holler or yank the reins. She just waited, lettin’ me settle, then started again, slower, clearer. That waitin’—that trust she showed—changed everything.
The Israelites in that Red Sea story weren’t so calm. They grumbled, scared to death, even talkin’ ‘bout goin’ back to Egypt where things were miserable but familiar (Exodus 14:11-12). I get it. When I didn’t know Miss Bev’s cues, my first thought was to bolt back to the barn, where life was simple. We do that, too—when the trail’s blocked, we wanna turn tail to what’s easy, even if it ain’t right. But waitin’ on the Lord, like Miss Bev waited on me, takes grit. It’s trustin’ He’s got a plan, even when you’re standin’ at the edge of a sea with no bridge in sight.
### The Lord’s Steady Hand
That Red Sea didn’t part ‘cause the Israelites had it all figured out. It parted ‘cause the Lord was faithful. He didn’t lead ‘em to that spot to let ‘em sink. He showed up, split the waters, and made a way (Exodus 14:21-22). Same way, Miss Bev didn’t give up on me after that buck. She kept workin’ with me, teachin’ me her cues, and now we ride like we’re one. That’s how the Lord is with us. He don’t abandon us when we mess up or panic. He’s there, steady as a good saddle, guidin’ us through.
I’ve seen it in other ways ‘round the saddlery, too. Like when the boss was frettin’ over a busted fence and a storm comin’, and a neighbor showed up outta nowhere to help. Or when Miss Bev was downhearted ‘bout a sick foal, and the Lord brought it through. Them’s Red Sea moments—times when the trail opens ‘cause God’s got His hand on the reins.
### Ridin’ Through the Wait
So how do we face these daily Red Sea moments without buckin’ everybody off? I ain’t no scholar, but I’ve learned a bit from Miss Bev and that first tumble:
1. **Ease Up on the Reins**: You can’t force your way through a sea. Let go and let the Lord lead.
2. **Pray Like It’s a Quiet Talk**: Tell God your fears, and trust He’s listenin’, like Miss Bev listened to my skittish heart.
3. **Look Back to Move Forward**: Remember them times God parted the sea before—maybe a job that came through or a hurt that healed. It’ll steady you.
4. **Stand Firm, Don’t Bolt**: Like Moses told the folks, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm, and you’ll see the Lord’s deliverance” (Exodus 14:13). Hold your ground, even when the way ain’t clear.
### A Trail Worth Trustin’
That day I bucked Miss Bev off was my first Red Sea moment, born outta not knowin’ what she wanted. But it taught me to trust her, to wait for her cues, and to move when she guides. Every day’s got its own Red Sea—times when you’re confused, scared, or stuck. But them moments ain’t there to throw you. They’re there to teach you to trust the Lord’s steady hand.
So, when you’re facin’ your own Red Sea today, take it from an ol’ horse: don’t buck. Stand still, look to the Lord, and wait for Him to part the waters. He’s got a trail ready, and He’ll lead you through.
**What’s your Red Sea moment on the trail?** Drop a line in the comments and tell us your story. Let’s keep each other steady as we ride this range together.
*Yours from the corral,*
*Win or Lose*
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