Trusting GodA Lesson From Diesel-Trusting God

“I couldn’t do this with any other horse,” Rodger explained as he bent over to pick up a six-foot square tarp. “But since Diesel and I have a trust relationship, I can do this.”

Diesel was poised in the center of the arena. His big, brown, Tiger Mustang body was steady, listening to Rodger’s voice. This magnificent horse was capable of doing great harm should he be suddenly startled. But he and Rodger had established a relationship. I was about to get a visible example of that.

I leaned against the arena wall totally uninterested thinking it was another routine lecture. I surveyed the dozen people alongside me. Their attention was on the horse and Rodger. Realizing mine should be too, I tuned in just in time for him to begin his demonstration with Diesel – and a tarp. This is new, I thought as I perked up.

As he laid the tarp on Diesel’s hindquarters his ears turned toward his backside, lifting his head slightly. Rodger kept talking to him, letting him know where he was.

“I am able to do this because Diesel knows where I am and knows what I’m doing. It took us awhile to build this kind of relationship, especially to be able to accomplish this last part,” Rodger said as he continued to gradually move the tarp up Diesel’s back and onto his shoulders. He shifted his weight, abruptly lifted his head, put his ears back but didn’t run.

Now totally enthralled by what I was seeing, I straightened up, eyes focused on Diesel. Surely he’ll bolt if Rodger tries to put the tarp over his head. I feared for Rodger’s safety.

Sure enough, as the tarp was slowly moved over his ears Diesel’s head jerked as he shifted his weight. Oh, no – here he goes. But as Rodger kept talking Diesel let him put the tarp over his head, covering his eyes. Holding his head high, he seemed anxious but didn’t try to escape.

This was meant as a demonstration of the relationship our veterans can develop with their horse. I had a different interpretation.

How often does God seem distant when He puts darkness in our lives. Unlike Diesel, most of us bolt, fighting to get out of the circumstances. But God keeps talking to us through His word, letting us know He is still there even when we can’t see His hand. Will we ever learn to “walk by faith and not be sight”? A lesson from Diesel will help demonstrate we should be trusting God.