Sure-Footed
When I was horseback riding in the mountains this summer, we rode some really narrow trails that clung to the side of the hill. I’m a pretty comfortable rider and not easily spooked, but I’ll admit to mostly holding my breath and leaning toward the upward side of the mountain when we’d walk those treacherous parts.
The wrangler said that the horse is more sure-footed than we are. At any one point in time, humans have two points of contact with the ground. When we lose our footing we have one good leg to stand on. I’m not super stable balancing on one leg…how about you?
A horse, though, is different. If a horse’s hoof misses the trail or slides in the mud, they still have three potential points of contact with the ground.
Stability on Rough Terrain
I saw evidence of this truth on Saturday when I squeezed in a hike between rain storms. I’d walked the same trail earlier in the week so I knew it would probably be even muddier than last time.
The path crossed streams and little gullies. At one point I decided that I could benefit from a walking stick, so nature provided a nice straight branch that I planted in the mud as I scrambled up the hillside with each step.
Along the trail were horseshoe prints. As I was climbing a hill I could see an imprint where one of the horse’s hooves slid several feet in the mud. But it was just one hoof that slid. Why? It had three more hooves to take up the slack when it stumbled.
As I walked, I thought about how as believers, we need to be connected to Jesus with as many points of contact as possible. The more points of contact, the more stable we are on rough terrain.
Points of Contact with Jesus
How many points of contact do you have with Jesus in a given day? Our daily personal times with Christ are important. But we can do so much more, and relatively easily.
Here are just a few ways that we can connect with the Spirit throughout the day. Scriptures posted around our workplaces, worship songs playing while we cook or clean, cultivating friendships that enrich us and point us back to Christ, listening to Jesus-centered podcasts.
Each one of these is another point of contact with God, grounding us securely in His truth and stability. As we walk with Christ and increase the points of contact with Him in our days, we have given Him more open channels to speak to us, guide us, and keep us on the right path.
I know from experience that I don’t want to go off-trail in my life unless Jesus is leading me there! When I stay connected to him, the Spirit uses all those points of contact to light the way and keep me from stumbling, just like in Psalm 56.
For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
Psalm 56:13
Let’s ask ourselves a few questions today. Are we using our available points of contact? How can we increase them?
Let Me Be a Contact For You!
I’d love to be a contact for you! Let me know how I can encourage you. If you live in or around Columbus or Zanesville, let’s get a coffee! If not, send me a note through my contact page so we can connect!
Blessing for your week.
Love,
Leanna
P.S. I’m praying & singing this song over you, friend!
P.P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter below so that you don’t miss any encouraging content! We need all the help we can get to stay focused on Jesus, right?
I love this, Leanna. That’s such a powerful image–the points of contact. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks, Brad!
Leanna, you have many points of contact…. I always look forward to reading what you write. God is creating something beautiful in you. Can’t wait to read more then a blog from you.
Thank you, Jean for being such an encouragement to me! God is definitely teaching me a lot these days, and I’m excited to see what he has for me next. I’ll let you know when I have something longer you can read! 😉
💜 Leanna