Breaking Our Wild Spirits

Have you ever heard the term "breaking a horse?"

It refers to a horse that is unbroken, meaning it's never been ridden before. Therefore, the unbroken horse will not allow you to saddle it or ride it. Trainers can break a horse by using different techniques depending on the breed and character of the horse. Their goal is to teach the horse to accept haltering, walking, and following basic commands and by successfully doing this they are able to teach the horse to become obedient to their commands and eventually the horse will allow them to ride it.

John 10:27 NIV

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

So how does this compare with our spiritual lives? Well, we need to ask ourselves a couple questions:

1) Do you ever feel as if God is trying to break you through various life experiences?

2) Is He trying to make you more obedient to His commands?

3) Does He prompt you to turn away from sinful living and walk closer with Him?

4) Are you willing to become more God-centered than self-centered or are you fighting this process?

These questions will help us determine where we are spiritually. I encourage you to pray and ask God to reveal to you what His plan is for your life. He is faithful and will show you!

Proverbs 3:5 ESV

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."

They say the initial preparation of breaking begins from the first day of birth which is why trainers avoid separating a foal from its mother too early if possible and use the mare to get the foal accustomed to humans. Seeing the mother accepting human care, company, and a rider on its back usually helps a foal develop trust in people.

Romans 8:5 NIV

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires."

The same is true with our children, they learn from a very young age what it means to follow Christ, they witness their parents accepting God's care and discipline. It's crucial for us to teach them how to read the Bible, how meditate on His Word, and the importance of building that relationship and taking time to worship God and thank Him for our daily blessings.

By witnessing our walk with the Lord, they too will learn to develop trust in God because they will witness Him working in our lives. They can also learn this from attending Sunday School or private Christian schools where they are taught the importance of knowing and relying on God.

Romans 12:2 NIV

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

We want our children to become so familiar with hearing and listening to God's voice so that when they are older, they will be able to quickly recognize Him and be obedient to Him directing their steps. We want them to learn how to respond to His commands just like that of a foal.

Luke 22:42 NIV

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."

Friends, God is always trying to tame us and bring us under submission to His will and His command. I want to encourage you to allow God to break you so that you will walk obediently with Him and receive His guidance and blessings in your life!

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime