Walkin’ the Same Trail

Well, land sakes alive, friend, look at you wanderin’ up to this ol’ front porch like a lil’ ol’ raccoon that plum just found the world’s biggest cornfield. Scoot that chair a little closer, watch out for that ol’ barn cat under your feet, and let your heart settle like fresh biscuit dough in Granny’s mixing bowl. You have stepped into a place where we talk about Jesus the way country folks talk about rain, fences, and which cow that keeps leanin’ on the gate. So, take a deep breath, friend, because we’re fixin’ to mosey into a truth that can steady your soul.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor,” Ecclesiastes 4:9. That verse walks hand in hand with Hebrews 10:24, which says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” God is tellin’ us we’re not meant to clomp through life like a lonely ol’ mule in an empty pasture. We grow best when we’re downright nudged, spurred, and encouraged by somebody walkin’ right beside us.

Years ago, I had a leopard Appaloosa stallion named Charlie that I was sure would turn the corral into a full blown rodeo the moment I climbed on his back. Instead of lettin’ him act like a tornado in horse form, I saddled him up and snubbed him to a friend’s steady ol’ horse. We rode side by side, step for step, until Charlie realized there was no need for buckin’, rearin’, or any other dramatic nonsense. By watchin’ that seasoned horse carry himself with calm confidence, Charlie learned how to carry a rider without turnin’ the place upside down. That there’s real discipleship in boots.

You don’t toss a new believer into the spiritual woods and hope that person outruns every lil’ ol’ skunk, coyote, and confused armadillo. You walk with ‘em. Paul said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 11:1. The Holy Spirit is our “paraclete”, or the One that comes alongside, like a wise ol’ hoot owl that sits close and watches while you learn to fly. And Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” That’s sho’-nuff’ God’s way of sayin’ we’re meant to be tied together like two ol’ workhorses pullin’ the same plow.

So, friend, who are you snubbed to right now, and who is snubbed to you. Ask the Lord to show you the ones that need your steady steps and the ones whose steady steps you need.

Father, thank You for the people You place beside us. Teach us to walk patiently with those who are learnin’, to let them see Jesus in our choices, our words, and our reactions. Help us carry burdens, share hope, and listen well. Holy Spirit, come alongside us and guide our steps so that others can safely follow. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Well now, bless my boots, friend, I’m so glad you stopped by today. As you head back into your day, let your faith walk straight enough that someone else can step right in your footprints. Let your love stretch wide enough to wrap around the nervous hearts that feel like jittery lil’ frisky colts in a thunderstorm. Make sure your hope shines bright enough to light up the trail like a glowin’ lantern hangin’ from a oak tree branch on a dark night. Now go on ahead, friend, and ride out there with Jesus, so that you are snubbed close to Him, so somebody else can learn how to walk with the Lord, too.

With joy,

Gwen