Racing Horses

Sometimes, as we read, the word “but” can alert us to a great change in direction, such as in the case of Romans 6:23 –

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

However, often when we see or hear the word “but,” we know that a negative word will follow, such as in the case of a discussion that begins with, “I really like that color on you, but . . .” 

Jeremiah, the great prophet of God, used “yet” (the brother of the word “but”) in an honest appeal to God.  In the twelfth chapter of the book bearing his name, Jeremiah spoke to the Lord with these words: 

You are always righteous,O LORD, when I bring a case before you.  Yet I would speak with you about your justice. (12:1) 

The prophet follows those opening words with a series of complaints to God about His perceived lack of caring and protection. 

What was God’s response?  He poetically and strongly answered,  

If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? (12:5)

Do you catch His meaning? Our God wants us to realize that, as long as we live on this earth, we will experience hardship.  We do ourselves no favors when we stress the smaller problems (racing with men), when we know that we will also have to race with horses. 

Even then, during the equestrian challenge, we need not worry for God is with us through all our races.