Trust the Bull Fighter

 

All other rodeo events have come to a conclusion, many cowboys and cowgirls are loading up their rigs heading home, and yet the crowd is still completely in tact. Each spectator is hanging on tightly to their seat. There is one thing they have talked about since the RODEO signs were posted in town. One event excites the crowd more than any other. Can you guess it?…That’s right…Bull Riding!  There is something so unique about bull riding that is extremely intriguing to people all over the world. Bull riding is pretty special to me too. It paints an incredible picture of God’s love for us! Yes sir, that’s correct… Bull riding tells a story about God. Pull down your hat and hang on tight. We’ve drawn a good one today!

I want you to imagine that you are a bull rider. Dream big, go ahead and wear those fancy spurs, blingy chaps, and your shiny gold buckle! You’ve drawn this nasty bull they call “Life”. They’ve had a hard time predicting him. Some rodeos he has no pattern, jumping left then right. Other rodeos he’s just what you like, bucking hard and spinning into your hand. Every cowboy that has ridden him went on to win the prize. You’re best friend is the bull fighter at the rodeo tonight. You know he is the best of the best. Because he’s out in the field, you’re able to rest assured that no matter how your ride goes…He’s got your back!

 

I want to take a closer look at your friend, the bull fighter. We’re going to imagine that the bull fighter is Christ. You are putting your trust into him, knowing that he will help you through the ride. He is your life guard! Because of him, you’re not going to hesitate to get on “Life”.

Psalm 62: 8

” Trust in him at all times you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”

 

It’s time to start preparing for your ride. You have put complete trust in your friend. After saying your prayer of protection, you gently begin settling into the chute. “Life” is already bucking, showing you how difficult the ride is going to be. You get your rope pulled tight,  and the gates bang!  1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi, 5 Mississippi, WACK!!! “Life” manages to get you off balance and slammed you to the muddy arena floor, but he’s not finished. It appears as though “Life” is coming back for more. You yell for the bull fighter, knowing you are in trouble. Luckily your friend, Christ, quickly grabs your vest and lifts you to your feet. The two of you make it to the fence in just the nick of time!

Psalm 40:1-2

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.”

 

Although you bucked off of “Life”, you’re safe.

There are times in life when things seem to be spinning totally out of control. You can sit there and worry yourself to death, or you can pray, telling the Lord all of your concerns and struggles. He is waiting on you to call out to him. He is always there in times of need. Are you going to yell for the bull fighter or be stomped by “Life”? Trust in him to help you to firm ground. God is listening, he’s ready to help you. Please keep in mind that the bull fighter may not save you immediately, sometimes you have to put forth much effort in the meantime. Have faith, know that he’s working!

Philippians 4:6-7

” Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” 

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

Think about the job of a bull fighter. What characteristics do you see in them that relate to Christ? I challenge you to create a facebook status that tells how a bullfighter is Christ-like. Add your favorite bull fighting pictures and tag the Houlihan Homestead! Don’t forget to check copyrights! If you would like, you can private message me with your connection statement and photo. Pictures will be featured on our next Bull Fighting segment.

Example) A bullfighter makes me think of how Christ…laid down his life for me.

 

A special thanks goes to Mike Goodall, Brittany Drawdy, Mike Driver, Shane Esco, and Ross Hill for the amazing photos!

 

**For more Mike Goodall pictures follow the link to see his homepage:

https://www.facebook.com/MikeGoodallPhotography/

**For more B Blessed Photography action shots, check out Brittany Drawdy’s website:

https://Bblessedphotography.fotomerchant.com