Articles
Don’t Trust Your Horse
Don’t Trust Your Horse
Don’t worry, I’m no anti-equestrian. I’ve ne’er been betrayed by a mare. I’m sure they’re great. Consider these two verses though. “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD.” (Proverbs 21:31). “A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.” (Psalm 33:17). We all have goals that require preparation. Military goals in the ancient world required horses. Academic goals require study. Financial goals require budgets and saving. Athletic goals require vigorous exercise and right eating. Spiritual goals require prayer, Bible reading, evangelism and regular worship attendance.
However, we must never mistake our preparation for our Savior. “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.” (Rom. 4:4). When we rely on our own hard work for victory, we get all the credit. God owes me victory because I trained my horse right and it’s the best, God owes me money because I work hard, God owes me a diploma because I study hard, God owes me Heaven because I come to church every time. It’s good to prepare your horse; just don’t put your trust in it. Your horse is a horse (of course), but not the victory source. Victory belongs to the Lord! “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” (Psalm 20:7).
