Why Return to the Saddle?

   When a rider gets thrown from his horse, generally the first thing he does is get back in the saddle; otherwise, he may never ride again due to fear. When things don’t go to plan, some quit, because they’re afraid to fail again. Here’s a little secret about failure: it only becomes failure if you quit. Yes, mistakes happen, but as we well know, they can serve as lessons on which to build. Those who endure to the end, win. Think long game, especially when it comes to your spiritual journey.

   James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.

   It is important to not allow fear to drive you. “What if my horse throws me again?” What if it doesn’t? By eliminating the “what if” conversation, you eliminate a lot of anxiety. Should you be tempted to say, “what if,” in relation to fear, tell yourself: “There’s no such thing as what if!”

Staying in the Saddle is not the Equivalent of Perfection

   Even some of the best riders have been thrown from their horses. Does that make them bad riders? Of course not. Mistakes and events beyond their control happen. It’s easy to discount all the times they stayed in the saddle, after being thrown. This is especially true for the perfectionist. Never forget your victories, particularly when there’s a hiccup. Remember, when you put unrealistic expectations on yourself, you may be heading toward becoming self-centered. It’s all about you at that point.

   Why would you expect perfection? Would that be a form of pride? Is your worth dependent on perfection? Is it really about looking good, so others with accept you? Or perhaps, that’s the only way you can accept yourself. If that is your struggle, where did you learn to think that way? Was perfection a requirement for affection while you were growing up? Time to connect to God’s love.

   Taking personal responsibility and doing things with excellence is a good thing. However, that’s not where perfection may be found. It is found in Jesus. Spiritually speaking, perfection is found in position. What does that mean for us? In simple terms, Jesus gave us the victory, which means we don’t have to gain it for ourselves. It means being confident in the One Who lives in us, and that He is worthy of our success. Honestly, you are more perfect when you admit weakness. It’s when His grace takes over the reins.

   2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

God is able to put You Back in the Saddle

   Christianity 101 states, that if we blow it, God is able to restore us. If your horse throws you, He is able to put you back in the saddle. If you succumbed to the flesh, it doesn’t mean you’re finished. God’s kindness leads us to repentance (see Romans 2:4).

   1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

He is able to Keep You in the Saddle

   Here’s a true confidence-booster: God is able to keep you in the saddle. You don’t have to fear falling. By staying humble before Him, you’ll find He is always there to hold you up.

   Jude 1:24-25 Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

   Remember, He is ever merciful, which means when you cry out to Him, He is there to hold you up.

   Psalm 94:18 If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” Your lovingkindness, O LORD, will hold me up.

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