Rodeo Christians

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo begins today. I plan to attend tomorrows show and evening rodeo with my niece. I have always liked the rodeo in general, but I especially like the Bull and Bronc Riding events.

That’s were the excitement is as far as I’m concerned. Imagine, sitting on a 1000 lb plus bull that is furious with you for being on him and he is determined to get you OFF. You have two connections to hang on with; the strap and your spurs. The good news is you only have to hang on for 8 seconds. The bad news is, that can be a mighty long 8 seconds.

As Christians we also have a “bull” or “bronc” to ride. You may think I am referring to the “Devil”, but actually I am referring to a much more difficult “beast”. I know, I know, the devil is the enemy of our soul. Very true and he is our enemy. He may even have horns. However, Satan is not the beast we ride day in and out. In fact since we have authority over him and his minions, he just doesn’t have the power to “buck” us off.

The every day, biggest “bull” we have to ride is simply called “life”. Life can throw so much at us in just one day that if we are not careful it can throw us in the dirt. In the Rodeo the Cowboy has to hang on for 8 seconds to beat the bull. However, if the bull wins and throws the Cowboy in the dirt, all is not lost. For the Cowboy can get up, dust himself off and ride again.

It would be nice, if in “life” we only had to deal with 8 seconds of trouble trying to “buck us off”. Of course that is not the case. The fact is you may have things you have to “ride” for days, weeks, months or yes, even years. In Luke Chapter Eight, Jesus told a parable about a Sower Who sowed the seed of the Word. Part of this parable speaks of those who “…are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.” (Luke 8:14 NKJV)

Let’s face it, there are times when the problems of life are overwhelming. One of my previous Pastors, Mark Morgan, always says that you will be tested in these areas of life: your health, your wealth, your family. I have found that to be so true. I have experienced all three at the same time in recent months. If I allow myself to focus on my financial problems, I frankly feel like losing hope and giving up. But I wasn’t raised to be a quitter and my God is no quitter. So what must I do? I’ve got to Cowboy up and get back on that bull called life everyday, and I don’t wont to just ride, I want to spur that bull called “life”.

In my opinion, the easiest way to be “thrown” by the problems of life is to focus on the weeks, months, years. My profound suggestion is to break life up into segments, known as a “day”. I know, really wise and profound. Here’s my point; focus on riding that bull called life one day at a time. On days that life “throws” you don’t give up, Cowboy up and the next day get back on that Bull and ride him Cowboy! So get your spurs on and pull your hat down good. Let’s Cowboy up in this Rodeo called “Life” and Ride ‘em Cowboy!