Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Two Horses
Just up the road from my home is a field, with two horses in it. From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you get a closer look you will notice something quite interesting…One of the horses is blind.
His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made him a safe and comfortable barn to live in. This alone is pretty amazing. But if you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell. It is coming from a smaller horse in the field. Attached to the horse’s halter is a small, copper-colored bell. It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can follow.
As you stand and watch these two friends you’ll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting he will not be led astray. When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, he will stop occasionally to look back, making sure that the blind friend isn’t too far behind to hear the bell.
Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.
Sometimes we are the blind horse, being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.
And at other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.
~Author Unknown~
The first time I ever read this story it touched my heart. For me, it was a beautiful reminder of the way God intended the Body of Christ should live. We were never created to walk this life alone. God cares about every single detail in our lives big and small.
As you read these words, some of you already know exactly what I mean when I talk about those moments in time when we feel as though we are struck “blind” due to a circumstance we find ourselves unexpectedly trapped in. It is a dark moment and you just do not know how you will see your way out.
Dark moments…
when your doctor calls and the test results are not a good report,
or your spouse calls it quits in your marriage,
or the rehab center calls and says your teen has run away and cannot be found,
or you get laid off from that job you believed was meant to be your career.
Yes, dark moments.
In John 1:5 we are told that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” In those dark moments, we all need a glimmer of light…a glimmer of hope. So my friend here is the good news. God is forever faithful. Do not panic. God will not leave you in the dark. He will send you a light or just like the two horses story, He will send you a bell. God will wrap you in his love in the presence of someone he assigns to walk with you and the darkness will not overtake you. It is the Father’s promise to never leave nor forsake you.
Over the years I have learned a powerful lesson about relationships and what it means to help the people God puts in my path. First of all, I know that God will never waste anything in my life. Just as He has brought me comfort time and time again in my blind seasons, His desire is then to send me to comfort someone else in their time of need. I thank God from the bottom of my heart for all the times in my life he has sent “the other horse and a bell” to lead the way for me. My prayer is that I will always be sensitive to hear his voice telling me when to wear the bell and quiet the fearful heart of another. That is my prayer for each of you as well.
So friends no matter what you face today, my hope for you as you read this is that God will open your ears to listen. In the midst of the loud voices of fear and confusion, remember you are not alone. Listen. Yes that is a bell! And with that bell comes someone sent by the Savior himself to walk along side you and lead you to safety. Fear not.
PS: Are you finding yourself in one of those dark moments in life right now? Leave me a comment and I promise I will pray for you. Simply say “pray for me.” God knows the details. If you have been the one to wear the bell to help someone else find their way, please feel free to share a comment as well. Your story will be a blessing and inspiration to all of us.
Note: This blog post was written by Rosie Williams and first appeared on Nuggets from the Heart. This blog post, either in part or in its entirety, may not be copied, duplicated, edited or appear in any other publication without the written approval or permission from the author. For full copyright and disclosure information, click here. For questions regarding the use of this blog post, you may send an email to Rosie Williams by clicking here.
I always love your posts Rosie! This one was very encouraging and challenging. I will look for opportunities to ring my bell! And I will listen for the bells God is ringing around me!
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing. Please pray for me! I love the words of this post and I look forward to sharing your words with my readers. I believe I will remember this story each time I hear or see a bell. It is just beautiful!
Best,
Robin
Robin I will continue to pray for you. You are never alone. Thank you for sharing a comment and for sharing this Nugget with others. Blessings sister!
For me..it’s usually been easier to just look inward and figure things out for myself..by myself. But I realize God put friends in our path..not only for friendship..but to help us along the way at times.
I will try to “listen for the bell” more often!
Thank you Rosie ❤
Yes Jan you are right. God loves us so much he does not let us wander in darkness alone. I think as women, sometimes we have that “I can fix it all on my own” thinking. God never made us to be self sufficient. So thankful for the friends he puts in our lives in this faith journey. Blessings my friend.
Beautiful post, Rosie. I’d appreciate prayers for wisdom as I seek God’s heart regarding a writing project. I’m your neighbor at By His Grace blogger group on Facebook!
Hi Patricia. So nice to connect with again today. Prayers for the Lord’s guidance on your next project. God bless you and your ministry.
I love these nuggets Rosie. They are full of richness and flavor. Your words are wise and sent by God our Father. You are a blessing and an encouragement. Thank you! Prayers too please for family members who are going through impossible challenges. Thanks to God that with Him all things are possible.
Hi April. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am so glad my stories minister to you. I will certainly pray for your family as they go through this difficult season. God bless you.
This is so beautiful, so well put. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Thank you Demelza for stopping by and sharing your comment. Please visit soon. God bless you!
I have never heard the story of the two horses before but it creates a beautiful picture. You have caused me to stop and think about the fact that there are likely moments where I’m the horse with the bell and I don’t even realize it. I definitely know when I’m not the horse with the bell! Thank you for this beautiful encouragement today.
The bell story is truly sweet and I just knew I had to weave it into a Nuggets story when I read it. I am glad it blessed you. Thank you for stopping by for a visit. Blessings.
What a beautiful story, and what a powerful lesson for each of us! Listening for the voice of Jesus as we go through life- how often do we forget to do this? Amazing!
Thank you for visiting Amanda and for your input. I agree that when someone comes along to help us in those dark moments, it is Jesus way of reminding us we are never alone. A beautiful thought to ponder. Blessings!
Rosie, this is another beautiful nugget from your heart and it is so inspiring! I am thankful for all the wonderful friends and family members God has put in my life, that have been a conduit of His love and care during my blind times. Isn’t it amazing how a flawed human being, filled with the Spirit of God, can be used by God to bless and minister to others and help to make a way for His good and perfect will. God is good and we love because He first loved us. May God answer and richly bless all those who have requested prayer here.
“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)
Debbie you are so right. I am always in awe whenever I see God using me in some way to touch the life of another one of His children for good. I am so thankful he does not look for perfect vessels ( I would certainly fail big time if that was required) but instead he looks for willing vessels. He truly does always have the best plan! Blessings to you dear sister. So thankful God has crossed out paths again!
Rosie, I’m thankful for you and the way God works through you! I’m also thankful for the sweet Sister who encouraged me to sign up to receive your encouraging messages!
I’m in a dark season but I see God everywhere in my life. I would appreciate your prayers, though. ?
Thank you for your encouraging words Andrea. I am so glad the stories are speaking to your heart. I have prayed for you. Yes, God is right there in the midst of your trials…count on Him! Andrea please consider “paying it forward” and letting others know about the Nuggets (just as your friend did) so they too can be encouraged. There are plenty of Nuggets to share! 🙂
Love this! ?
Thank you Lisa….so glad you were blessed.
Pray for me. Thank you for your beautiful writings. You have no idea how timely they are and have been to me in so many situations. God is using you in my life! Thank you, Rosie. God bless you and please keep writing.
Vickie…Thank You for your comment! You have no idea how it blesses me to know that my stories are an encouragement to you. With every post that goes out, I send a prayer in advance for God to put it exactly in front of the hearts that need some encouragement. I am praying for you sister. You are not alone!
Please pray for me!
Debbie, I am standing in faith with you for God to move in your situation. May my prayers be the “bell” in your life at this time. You are loved sister! Remember…one day at a time.
Please pray for me!
I am praying for you Barb. We serve a faithful God. Hold on…answers are coming. Blessings to you dear sister.
Pray for my family pls .
Hello Donna. My prayers for you and your family are on the way. Whatever the situation, God is able to move in it. I am trusting Him to send someone your way to walk this journey with you. God bless you.