Stirrups of Faith: Biblical Devotions from Equestrian Lexicon

By Dr. Marquita O'Connor

Stirrups of Faith: Biblical Devotions from Equestrian Lexicon" is a captivating and unique book of devotionals that seamlessly intertwines the rich symbolism of equestrianism with profound spiritual lessons drawn from the Bible. In this inspiring collection, readers embark on a transformative journey that explores the deep connections between faith, horsemanship, and personal growth. Through beautifully crafted devotions, the author skillfully weaves biblical passages and equestrian terminology, drawing insightful parallels between the art of riding and the pursuit of a meaningful spiritual life. Each devotion offers a fresh perspective on familiar biblical stories, characters, and teachings, illuminating their timeless wisdom through the lens of horse riding.
"Stirrups of Faith" encourages readers to reflect on their own faith journey and challenges them to apply the lessons learned from the equestrian lexicon to their daily lives. Whether discussing the trust and harmony between horse and rider, the resilience required to overcome obstacles, or the importance of patience and perseverance, the author expertly demonstrates how these equestrian concepts mirror the core values in the Scriptures. With its poetic language, profound insights, and vivid imagery, "Stirrups of Faith" is a book that will captivate both horse enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. It serves as a gentle reminder that, just as a skilled rider forms a bond of trust and unity with their horse, we too can deepen our relationship with God and navigate life's challenges with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr. Marquita O'Connor
• Release date: Jul 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223608738

Book preview

Stirrups of Faith: Biblical Devotions from Equestrian Lexicon

Dr. Marquita O’Connor

July 2023

Contents

Giddy Up

Whoa: Pause for Grace

Walk on Guided by His Word

Trot on: Steady Progress in His Grace

Canter on: Joy on the Journey

Gallop on: Courage to Pursue with Passion

Easy Now: Finding Peace in His Presence

Heels Down Eyes Up

Hands Low Hearts High

Maintain Balance Stable in the Saddle Steady in Faith

Keep Your Seat

Sit Deeper into God’s Presence

Use Your Legs

Use Your Reins

Half Halt Harmonizing Faith and Riding

The Art of Collection

Extending Grace

Finding Purpose in Circles

Serpentines of Faith

Ride the Figure Eight of Faith

Embracing Transitions

Lead Change

Straighten Up

Look Ahead

Check Your Diagonal

Change Rein

Change Directions Follow His Path

Stay in Control

Stay Relaxed

Enjoy the Ride

Three Barrels of Faith: Persistence, Courage, and Grace

Clover Bud Journey

The Digger

Finding the Pocket

The Spiritual Rate

Turn and Burn

Exhibition Run

False Start

Gate

Ground Conditions

Pattern

Purpose in Precision

Pushing Through the Barrels of Life

The Full Round

Running the Course

Spiritual Running Style

The Divine Set Up

Sweeping Around Life’s Barrels

Three Step Approach

God’s Perfect Timing

Divine Timer

Divine Tractor

Trail Pattern

Turn

Turnover

Weaving Through Life

Spiritual Alleyway

Finish Line

Speed Event

Rider Error

Break Away

Bull Rope

Lassoing Life

Dally of Life

Divine Hazing

Heeling in Harmony

The Role of a Header

Hooey Knot of Faith

Horn Wrap of Protection

Lariat of God’s Love

Lasso of God’s Grace

Loop of God’s Promises

Piggin String of Humility

The Reata of God’s Word

Roping Horse of Discipleship

Roper of Faith

The Roping Box

Roping Dummy

Slick Horn Faith

Spoke of Faith

Steer Roping and Spiritual Struggles

Team Roping

Running the Race with Persistence and Precision

Balance in Midst of Trials

Secure in His Grip

Grace Unlimited

Pursuit of Completeness

Practical Faith for Everyday Life

Standing Firm in Faith

Aim High with Faith

Giddy Up

One Bible verse that comes to mind when thinking about the phrase giddy up about equestrianism is Isaiah 40:31, which says, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk, and not faint.

As equestrians, we sometimes need to giddy up and move quickly to accomplish our goals. However, it's important to remember that strength and endurance come from relying on God and putting our hope and trust in Him.

Just as a horse needs a rider to guide and direct it, we also need God to guide and direct our lives. When we put our faith in Him, we can be confident that He will grant us the strength and endurance to face whatever challenges come our way.

So, the next time we're getting ready to giddy up and put in some hard work, take a moment to pause and remember that our trustworthy source of strength and endurance comes from God. Trust in Him, and He will provide us with the strength we need to run the race set before us.

Whoa: Pause for Grace

When we're out riding, 'whoa' isn't just a command to our horse; it's an essential part of our language as an equestrian. It tells our horse to stop, pause, and take a moment before proceeding. It's a powerful command that invokes immediate obedience. God also commands us to stop and pause like our relationship with our horses. He tells us in Psalm 46:10, be still, and know that I am God. God invites us to let go of our worries, anxieties, plans, and efforts and trust Him.

When life gets hectic, when we're galloping at full speed, God calls out a heavenly Whoa! He asks us to halt, to stop our fretting and rushing, and rest in His presence. He wants us to trust Him with our journey, just as a horse trusts his rider to guide him. ‘Whoa' gives us a moment to refocus and reassess. As riders, we use it to ensure our horse is listening, to correct a wrong action, or to prepare for the next move. Similarly, God uses our 'whoa' moments to refocus our hearts on Him, restore our misguided steps, and prepare us for the journey ahead.

Take a moment to heed God's 'Whoa.' Be still in His presence, release our worries and fears to Him, and know He is God, who guides our path and holds the reins of our life. Trust Him as we would our horse and allow Him to lead us on the right way. Lord, help us to heed His 'whoa,' to pause, to be still, and to know that He is God. He will teach us to trust Him as our guide and comforter. He helps us to release our worries and fears to Him, to rest in His presence, and to continue this journey with our Heavenly Father leading the way.

Walk on Guided by His Word

In equestrian terms, 'walk on' is an instruction we give our horses to move forward. It's a command to start the journey, to take the next step, regardless of the path or obstacles ahead. This term holds a beautiful reflection of our spiritual journey with God. In Psalm 119:105, God's Word is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Much like how we instruct our horses to 'walk on,' God directs us through His Word. He guides us on the path of righteousness and illuminates our way, one step at a time.

Sometimes, the path might seem unclear, filled with obstacles and uncertainties. We might feel scared or uncertain, like a horse approaching a new trail or a challenging jump. We must trust God in those moments, just as our horses trust us. Trust Him to guide us, to shine His light on our path, and to lead us in the right direction. 'Walk on' isn't just a command; it's a statement of trust and forward motion. As equestrians, we guide our horses with experience and understanding, and they trust us to lead them. In a much more significant way, God shows us. He sees the whole path, every twist and turn, every hill and valley.

Wherever we are on our spiritual journey, listen for God's command to 'walk on.' Trust in His Word to light our path. Walk on, knowing that we are under His guidance and care, even if the way ahead seems uncertain or challenging. The Holy Spirit guides us as we journey with Him. He helps us hear His command to 'walk on,' trust in His guidance, and move forward in faith, even when the path is unclear. Let God’s Word be a lamp to our feet, a light to our way as he teaches us to trust Him more daily, as a horse trusts its rider.

Trot on: Steady Progress in His Grace

Equestrians know that the command 'trot on' signals more than a simple change in pace. It encourages picking up momentum, maintaining rhythm, and making steady progress. It signifies a transition from a slow walk to a purposeful, rhythmic trot, requiring increased focus, discipline, and trust between rider and horse. This equestrian command beautifully reflects our journey with Christ. The apostle Paul uses similar language in Philippians 3:14, encouraging us to 'press on' toward our spiritual goal. Just as 'trot on' urges the horse to move with purpose and discipline, 'press on' encourages us to persist in our faith journey, pursue Christ diligently, and maintain the spiritual rhythms that foster our relationship with Him.

In our spiritual journey, 'trotting on' involves dedication to prayer, studying God's Word, cultivating a heart of worship, and embodying love in our interactions with others. It's a steady, purposeful progression that draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His. The rhythm might be disrupted; we may stumble, slow down, or even be tempted to stop altogether. Remember that every great rider learns to adjust, adapt, and keep their horse moving forward. In the same way, God provides us with the grace to continue, to trot on, even amidst the challenges.

Hear the divine 'trot on.' Pick up the rhythm of grace and press on toward the heavenly goal. Let’s focus on Jesus, the author, and the perfection of faith. Despite the uneven paths or unexpected hurdles, remember His steady hand guiding us, and let that inspire us to 'trot on' in faith. He helps us to 'trot on' in our faith journey. May God guide us as we strive to press on toward Him, despite our challenges. Grant us the strength to maintain the rhythm of grace, staying consistent in prayer and His Word. As a horse responds to its rider, let our hearts respond to our Heavenly Father and His guidance.

Canter on: Joy on the Journey

In the equestrian world, the command 'canter on' brings a sense of exhilaration. It's an instruction for the horse to move at a pace faster than a trot yet slower than a full gallop. This balanced, rhythmic gait allows both rider and horse to move with more speed and freedom. Riders often favor Canter because it embodies a beautiful blend of control, liberation, pleasure, and purpose. Much like the rhythm of a canter, our spiritual journey with God is a delicate balance between rest and work, joy, and discipline, surrender and action. In Nehemiah 8:10, we are reminded that the joy of the LORD is our strength. In our walk with God, this joy is our empowering force, motivating rhythm, and canter on. Embracing the joy of the Lord does not mean dismissing challenges or difficulties. It doesn't invalidate our struggles or fears. Instead, it's choosing to celebrate God's presence, grace, and love amid all circumstances. It's experiencing a rhythm of grace, like a perfectly timed canter, even when the terrain of life becomes uneven.

Let’s take a moment to listen to God's voice encouraging us to 'canter on.' Allow His joy to be our strength, setting our pace and rhythm in the journey. Relish the forward movement, the balance between effort and grace. Remember, as we would trust our horse to carry us at a canter, trust God to take us through life's challenges. We are thankful for the joy of the Lord that strengthens us. He helps us maintain the rhythm of grace and 'canter on' in our faith journey. Let us remember to delight in His presence and to trust Him even when the path is uncertain. As equestrians who understand their horse, help us know His guidance better.

Gallop on: Courage to Pursue with Passion

For equestrians, 'gallop on' encapsulates excitement, intensity, and passion. It's a command to release restraint and surge forward with speed and power. The gallop is a horse's fastest gait, abandoning momentum, and energy. It's a thrilling experience for the horse and rider, requiring trust, courage, and focused direction. In our spiritual journey, 'gallop on' signifies the moments when God calls us to throw off hesitation and chase after His purpose with passion and conviction. Just as a horse at a gallop displays unreserved strength, we are called to engage our spiritual journey with unabashed courage and fervor.

2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of