We've all been there, haven't we? Standing firm on our beliefs, much like a horse refusing to budge, with an "I WILL NOT" cover draped over its back. This image isn't just about stubbornness; it's a metaphor for how we cling to our positions, especially in matters of faith and personal growth.
In Christianity, the journey of faith is often described as a walk with God, one that involves growth, learning, and, yes, change. Yet, we sometimes find ourselves like this horse, unwilling to move forward, holding onto what we've always known or believed with a firm "I WILL NOT".
But what does the Bible teach us about this? The scriptures are full of stories where individuals had to let go of their old ways to embrace God's new direction for their lives. Think of Saul on the road to Damascus, transformed into Paul, or Peter learning to see Gentiles as clean. Change, in essence, is part of the Christian experience.
I like this spot so much that I just cannot leave it, no matter how much greener the other side is.
Our understanding of God's Word is not static. As we mature in our faith, our perspectives evolve. What we once held as absolute might need reevaluation in light of new experiences, deeper study, or the Holy Spirit's guidance. This doesn't mean the core truths of the faith change, but our understanding of them can deepen, broaden, and become more nuanced.
The challenge then is to recognize when we're being like the horse, stubbornly refusing to move forward because change feels uncomfortable or because we fear losing our identity. Yet, growth in faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to learn, to question, and to grow.
The "I WILL NOT" stance can be a protective one, guarding against false teachings or moral compromise, but it can also be a barrier to spiritual maturity if it's based solely on pride or fear.
So, how do we move from "I WILL NOT" to "I WILL"? It starts with humility, acknowledging that we don't know everything, and with openness to the Holy Spirit's teaching through Scripture, prayer, and community. It's about understanding that our journey with God is dynamic, not static, and that He might lead us into places we never expected, for our good and His glory.
Let's not be afraid to take off that cover of resistance, to allow God to guide us forward, even when the path seems uncertain. After all, as Christians, we're called not just to believe but to grow in that belief, to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, as Romans 12:2 encourages us.
I will do as the Lord has instructed and created me to do: serve the Lord.
In faith, as in life, sometimes the most profound growth comes when we're willing to say, "I will," instead of "I will not."
In Agreement with God - J. Daly