Obeying God’s Gentle Nudges
(From the archives)
One of my greatest joys is giving cart rides to children with our miniature horses. As soon as we’re nestled in the middle of the pasture, I begin one of my favorite object lessons—right out of Deuteronomy 6:7—teaching as we walk (or ride) along the way.
The Tug of the Reins
Before we set off, I explain how the reins work. “See this?” I point to the bridle and bit. “This little piece fits into the horse’s mouth. When I gently pull on the reins, the horse knows to turn.”
God, in His wisdom, made the horse’s mouth just right to accept the bit—it has no back teeth, allowing the bit to rest and direct without causing pain. Just a gentle tug is all it takes to guide the horse.
That’s how God leads us, too.
God’s Word and the Horse’s Bit
As we ride, I’ll ask the kids, “Did you know the Bible talks about horse bits?” Then I share James 3:3:
“If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.”
I show them with my hands. “See how a tiny nudge can turn the whole cart? God gives us nudges too—soft, quiet promptings in our heart. Are we listening?”
Every Decision Matters
“You chose to get into this cart today,” I say with a smile. “That was a decision. We make hundreds of decisions every single day—some small, some big. And every one shapes our life.”
Then I tell them about a choice I made when I was 15 that still impacts me today. (That always earns a few wide-eyed looks—imagine me being 15!)
Some decisions are easy—we know stealing is wrong. But others aren’t so clear. Where to go, what to say, which path to take... That’s when it’s vital to listen for God’s still, small voice.
How Do We Listen?
When I ask, “Do you know how we can hear God?” they usually shrug. I pull them close and whisper, “By staying close to Him.”
God longs for relationship. He doesn’t want to be a Sunday-only visitor. He wants to walk beside us all day, every day. Imagine standing next to your best friend and never speaking to them. That would be strange, wouldn’t it?
We’re meant to talk with Him throughout the day—while folding laundry, driving, studying, or swinging in the backyard. That’s walking in the Spirit—being sensitive to His tugs and trusting His leading.
Cultivating the Relationship
“See that pasture over there?” I point to the neighbor’s field. “That farmer cultivates his land so crops can grow.”
God wants us to cultivate our hearts the same way—turning the soil, pulling out weeds, watering it with truth. And how do we do that? By spending time with Him, reading His Word, listening for His guidance, and trusting Him with the reins of our life.
When we read the Bible daily, we begin to understand how God thinks and moves. When we only listen on Sundays, we miss the joy of a full relationship.
A Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1–2 says it best:
"Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering… Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out… God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."
That’s what God wants: our ordinary days, placed in His hands. He gives the nudges. We follow.
Trust and Follow
The most beautiful invitation Jesus ever gave was simply, “Follow Me.”
That’s all. Not figure it all out, not try harder, but follow. Trust that He sees the big picture. Trust that His Spirit will guide you in every detail—if you’ll listen for the gentle tug.
So, after our ride and talk, I lean over, smile, and ask: “Would you like to learn to drive now?”
