Donna McDaniel shares a story from her childhood and the valuable lesson she learned in allowing the Father to be in control.

 -Script-

When I was around the age of 10, we went to visit my Aunt & Uncle in Georgia. There was a lot of my cousins there that day. One of my older cousins was giving us kids rides on the back of my Aunt’s horse around the yard. When it was finally my turn, Itold my cousin she could let go of the reins. I THOUGHT I knew what I was doing but I didn’t have a clue. My cousin let go of the reins and I accidentally kicked that horse in the side too hard and he shot off like a bullet. He flew across the yard and across the highway and was running beside it. 

My Daddy and Uncle ran and jumped in the car to go after me. I was trying to stop that horse with all my might, but to no avail. I thought to myself the only way to get off this horse was to let go of the reins and jump off, so that’s exactly what I did. I landed in the ditch, a little roughed up, scared and crying. That’s where my Daddy found me. 

I was thinking about this the other day and realized that’s what we do sometimes, is hold on to the reins so tight and we won’t let go. We think we have it all figured out and can handle it on our own, but in reality it’s the opposite. We hold on to worry, guilt, anger, resentment, and envy just to list a few. 

What does the Father’s word say? In Philippians 4:6-7 ESV it says

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The reins can leave a mark not only on our hands, but on our hearts. It not only affects the relationship that we have with our Father but with family and friends. The longer we hold onto the reins, the harder it is for us to heal. It can leave marks that are permanent and irreparable. 

Don’t let the horse run away with you. Jump off the horse if you have to. We need to loosen our grip and let go of the reins. Hand them over to Papa. Let Him take the lead. He knows the path and direction that we need to take. He’ll lead us to our final destination…..Home. 

Keep your eyes on Him. Take care and I’ll see you next time I love y’all. Bye bye. 

Donna McDaniel
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