Proverbs 26:2
A whip for the horse...and a rod for the backside of him that needs instruction.
We have seen the whip used in horse racing, in order to get the horse moving as fast as possible, so that he might win the race. Most often it is used during the final stretch of the race. Maybe the horse has just become complacent with his position...and having settled to finish there...he needs to be motivated to move out of that mentality and into his full potential. Maybe he is growing weary, and doesn’t realize that he has another storage vault of strength of which he hasn’t tapped into...and once he grabs it...moves just one or two steps beyond the competition to win the race!
I know to many the thought of using a whip on a horse may sound somewhat harsh…but the fact is…that simply leaning over into a horse’s ear and sweet talking him into giving his all…never has…nor ever will…win a race! Horses are incredible athletes by nature! They are nature’s picture of speed and athleticism! If you have ever been a part of competitive athletics, you know that there is no such thing as a nice coach. Coaches are not paid to be nice! They are paid to win! They are paid to push their athletes…to get the most that they can out of the players they have, and help them reach their full potential!
Sometimes, in this same way God has to deal with us. We get lazy, lethargic, and satisfied with where we are. Yet, where we are, is not where God has called us to be! He wants more for us, and knows that we are capable of working harder, doing more, and accomplishing more for Him, our families, and ourselves.
So as a child of God, if we ever feel a sharp sting in the backside of our heart…it is more than likely God applying his whip of discipline to our lives, to motivate us and push us forward, so that we might finish our race well, and fulfill all that He has enabled us to do in this life for his glory...and for our good!