Free To Follow

Free to Follow

Bible Blast: Read Psalm 32:8-10

Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Psalm 32:9

A couple from Montana went for a ride on their mules out on the open range. Their dogs followed close behind. It was common for them to run into a mountain lion on their rides, so the man took a rifle. Sometimes just shooting a gun straight up into the air was enough to scare the mountain lions away.

On this particular day, a mountain lion decided it wanted one of the dogs for a snack. When the man realized the mountain lion was following them, he hopped off his mule and raised his gun in the air to scare the predator away. Before the man could shoot, the mountain lion raced after the dogs. And then the mule raced after the mountain lion!

That stubborn mule attacked the mountain lion before it ever even got to the dogs! The dogs just stood and watched while the mule fought the mountain lion, making sure it wouldn’t attack anybody. The woman had brought her camera and actually got a few pictures of their mule hero in action. After the fight was over, the mule calmly walked over and stood by its owner, like fighting a mountain lion was no big deal. He was ready for his ride now.

That story circulated on the Internet. There are even photographs of the mule and the mountain lion. Some have said the story isn’t possible, even if there are pictures to support it. Whether or not it is true, the story sure does tell us a little bit about just how stubbornness can come in handy when used for something good!

The mule did the right thing without anyone telling it to. That’s what today’s focus verse is all about. God wants you to get to a point where you naturally do what God wants you to without someone else dragging you into it. As you become more mature and learn more about his Word, obeying God will become a normal part of your thoughts and actions. You may not have to fight off any mountain lions, but God will definitely use you to do big, courageous things!

Girl Gab: Do you think you’re “stubborn as a mule”? If so, ask your mom what you can do to become more “teachable.” Talk to God about wanting to do the right thing in every situation.