The Story of Bridle and Wild Horse

Over the past couple weeks, I’ve been recalling a story that I ran across a few months ago related to two horses.  One which was “bridled” and another which was living the “wild” life.  Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to recall the source of the story.  So, if anyone knows the originator, I’d greatly appreciate finding the original version.  I desire to give proper credit and my recollection will fall short of their magnificent writing.  That being said, here is my attempt at recalling the story.

So time ago, there were two horse who’d become good friends.  For the sake of the story, we’ll name them “Bridled” and “Wild” horse.  Bridled horse was an older horse with great wisdom.  His name was “Bridled” as he was a faithful servant of his master.  Bridled would patiently wait upon his master while traveling from place to place.  At times, Bridled would help out in the taking care of the master’s fields.  While Bridled was tempted to run out in the “wild” like some of his friends, he was a loyal and faithful servant to his master for which the master took good care of him in return.

Now, “Wild” was a bit younger, free spirited horse.  Unlike Bridled, he didn’t have a particular master he served.  “Wild” would go about his day playing in the fields.  As the fields were ripe for grazing, “Wild” would stop and feed upon the land wherever he happened to be.  With water that was plentiful, “Wild” had all his needs met and was living a “life many always wanted”.

In Bridled and Wild’s relationship, Wild was always tending to harass Bridled.  He couldn’t understand why someone would want to be so tied down to one master when they could have the abundance of this world.  Wild was always tempting Bridled just to spend a day with him out in the fields playing and seeing what the “good life” was all about.  While Bridled would honestly tell you he was tempted a few times along the way, he remained loyal to his master having a deeper sense of belonging and purpose.

A few years later, there came a great drought upon the land.  All the vegetation and water was drying up quickly.  Worse yet, there was no end to the drought in sight.  All around the fields surrounding Bridled master’s fields, other horses were beginning to suffer.  Yes, “Wild” was now at a point of intense suffering as he could barely lift his body off the ground to seek food and water.

Bridled on the other hand was healthy and strong.  His master had prepared for the season of drought as he had foreknowledge of what was to come.  The barns were full of feed and much water was stored in reserves.  Bridle’s master was taking good care of him as their hearts mourned for those in the wild which didn’t take warning along the way.  While Bridled had undergone some suffering in the years of preparation for the drought, his suffering was nothing like that of the one’s who chose to live in the wild.

As Bridled saw Wild suffering in the fields, he wanted so badly to help him.  Unfortunately, the master’s plans were only enough to take care of his own.  To sacrifice now, would sacrifice something from those who had been so faithful and loyal to the master in the year’s prior which simply would not be right.  Thus, Wild was destined to a slow painful death for which no alternative could been seen.  As he laid in the field weak and suffering, he reflected on all those times he was making fun of Bridled for his loyalty to his master.  He now understood who was the wise one and wished, he too, had lived differently.

Many of you likely can see parallels in this story as they relate to the journey of living a life surrendered to Christ.  For those who have truly surrendered, you can relate to Bridled.  As you see others in the world seemly “living the dream”, you remain steadfast and faithful.  Vice versa, the majority of the world runs about in the wild not wanting to be dedicated to The Master.  Like Wild, they see no purpose or meaning behind living this life with such loyalty and faithfulness one Master.

Psalms 37:34 states,

“Hope in the Lord
and keep his way.
He will exalt you to inherit the land;
when the wicked are destroyed, you will see it.”

This is one of several versus throughout scripture which speak of a time of “drought” ahead.

Psalms 37:7 further states:

“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Today’s story, as well as the overall story of scripture, suggest there is great benefit to serving Christ.  It suggest that there is much more to our relationship than simply “accepting” Christ as Savior.  Like Bridled, we’re offered a choice to truly serve Christ allowing Him to be Lord over our life for which in return He’ll care for our needs regardless of circumstances.  In a world where many run “wild”, this seems to make absolutely know sense.  Yet, for those of us who have surrendered, we’d tell you there is absolutely no turning back.

In today’s story, who are you?  Are you Bridled or Wild recognizing your response can likely change daily?  As for me and my family, we aspire to be “Bridled” remaining loyal and faithful to The Master.  He’s proven himself faithful time and time again and we’re being prepared for whatever might lie ahead.  Won’t you join us?