by Maxie Heppell

Where I grew up there were no horses, only sheep and cattle.  And I was a towny, not a farmgirl, so what did I know about these things?

When we landed in England 18 months ago, I discovered how much the English love their horses.

Back in SA you would stop your car and reverse to get another look.
You would have to have your head on a swivel if you wanted to do the same thing here!

And it rains and rains and rains; this Free State girl finds it fascinating, precious in all its wetness.

But as towny and animal lover, my animals get taken inside when the gates of heaven opens.  I understand a horse is not a pet, but still.

Initially my heart would break when I saw them dotting the landscape out in the wet weather.
Some had on the cutest rain jackets, and that would make it a bit better.  (For me.)

Now that I know a bit more about horses, I know that to take them to the stables each time it rains, may make them feel better in the moment, but is not to their advantage over time.

Sometimes the stable is not an option.

See, horses that has to stay inside for whatever reason, experience swelling in their legs, since they are not really moving.  They can also become frustrated and maybe even hurt themselves as they try to break out.

Sometimes the Lord doesn’t take us back to the stable when the storm comes.
In His almighty wisdom He knows that although it may be better for me in the moment,
it won’t be the best for me.
Not in the long run.

Then He covers me in lambskin,
embrace me in His presence,
while heaven’s sprinkles mix with the water on my cheeks.

And even if it would be better (for me) to take you safely into my hiding place,
I sometimes have to leave you out in the rain where Father wants you,
for your pain may swell if you stay in one place –
even if it is here with me.

The horse owners here are not cruel.  There are always a few trees, or a lean-to shelter somewhere in the camp for when going to the stable is not an option.

In the same way the Lord does not leave us without cover when the thunder roars and lightning flashes.

“He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings.
His faithful promises are your armour and protection.”
Psalms 91:4 NLT

His promises are our protection.

When He gives Hosea the news of the terrible thunderstorm that the Israelites would go through, He sent this promise with…:

“I promise that from that day on, you will call me your husband instead of your master…
…I will accept you as My wife for ever, and instead of a bride price,
I will give you justice, fairness, love, kindness, and faithfulness.
Then you will truly know who I am.”
Hosea 2:16 CEV

The knowledge that the righteous God will judge righteously, treat me with love and kindness and stay truthful to these promises of His, keeps me warm, even in the wildest storm.

Sometimes going back to the stable is not an option.
Sometimes the Lamb’s skin is enough to endure the storm.

Your inspiration for the week:  Praise You in this storm

Feel free to visit Maxie’s blog Genade is ’n dag lank