SWEETLY BROKEN

Sweetly Broken

I had a vision, which God gave me to understand Jesus as our Savior and our Master…

I was a spirited horse running freely through a vast land. There were no other beings - just me! And, oh how I loved being alone! I ran and loved the excitement of exploring the hills, the valleys, and the mountains. I was free and unrestrained…

But one day, I realized that there was nothing new to see or experience - there was no un-chartered territory to conquer… So I set out to explore what was over the mountains that bordered the land. I saw a horizon just over the hills, and was empowered with the anticipation of expanding my territory! I ran with all passion and hope straight up the mountain...but when I arrived at the crest, a great fire suddenly appeared and spread, surrounding all the land! I was hemmed in!

I searched for a break in the flames, but they formed a solid wall. I hung my head, and retreated from the fire. Hopelessly, I knew I was destined to roam throughout a land where no new wonders could be discovered. There was no desire or reason to run anymore... I stumbled with no grace in my steps. I was broken in spirit, desiring the days when my blood surged hotly as my hooves flew over the wonders of unexplored land.

As I trotted - striving to accept this fate of disappointment - a prisoner locked in by a wall of fire - I saw a structure I had never seen before! It had a fence and an open gate. Again, my old spirit stirred: “Something new is on the land that I have not seen!” But the fence frightened me…What if I entered and could not escape?

Then I noticed a man standing at the gate - watching me. He seemed to know me! He didn't speak. He didn't even seem to breathe. But He was "alive" - like me! Never had I known there was an existence other than my own! I was drawn toward Him, eager to be near this intriguing "life"! Something new, at last! I moved closer… and without a word spoken by Him, He invited me to come in through the gate.

Desire pumped through my veins to explore this new land and know this man who seemed to know me! Suddenly, I did not want to be anywhere except where He was! I knew this place, and this "man" would show me things I knew not. I knew He was safe. I knew He had been waiting for me. And, as I stepped through the open gate, and my hooves caressed the loose soil, I felt all the weariness, the loneliness, and the disappointment overcome me. I felt the last drop of desire to run freely evaporate from my spirit. My legs folded under me, and I collapsed at His feet. All I wanted was a sanctuary and the care I knew this man would give me. He knelt beside me, and I felt His breath tingle in my ears, as he whispered, “Welcome Home”.

I slept a long time, it seems…and when I was rested, this Man fed me, and led me to restoring waters to drink. He placed his hand on my back and walked me through the "ranch". I caught glimpses of empty stalls. My heart broke that He might put me in one of them - and leave me. But He didn't. He never left me! He personally groomed me, exercised me, stroked me. No other hand touched me but His. I was His! I felt myself growing strong in body. My spirit was alive again! There was nobody but Him and me!

One day, my Groom said, “Look and see!“ Then for the first time, I noticed my appearance! I was a magnificent chestnut color - rich and glistening. My flanks were powerful. My neck and head were proud. I was beautiful and so strong! He mounted me, dressed as I had never seen Him before: He wore a glorious crown, a fur-lined robe, and He carried a shield and a sword. My master was a king! And I was His steed - rescued, groomed, and chosen to be His. Passion soared through me to serve this King as His vessel! The old excitement of running against the wind, and stirring up clouds of dirt soared in me again! But, oh so much greater was the passion to ride with Him! There was no bit, no bridle. I was keenly aware of His will - sensitive to His touch. Eager for His command…

Then I heard a trumpet - a call to battle, and hot blood pumped and throbbed through my veins. I started to move without my Master's leading...and I saw a serpent coiled at my hooves. He seemed to be asleep, but I sensed that if I moved - if I breathed even - apart from my Master's will, the serpent would strike…My King raised His double-edged sword and impaled him to the ground!

He whispered to me, “It is time. Let’s ride!”

Known. Chosen. Rescued. Sweetly broken to serve my King! Trained toReign with Him…