What Horses Represent by Lisa Burkhardt Worley
Today is my 39th wedding anniversary, and we are celebrating the occasion at a beautiful location in Colorado Springs, Colorado, The Broadmoor Hotel.
There are fresh flowers everywhere (I love fresh flowers).
And the walls are lined with photos of some of the famous people who have stayed here. I feel like a princess, just like I did on my wedding day.
But as I write this devotion, I am aware of a horse lamp on the table. The horse is the same color and in an identical pose to the one on our mantle at home. The horse statue at home belonged to my grandmother and I inherited it after she passed away. For me, the horse was once symbolic of a tragic start because my dad died on a horse while playing polo two months before I was born. I was taught to fear horses. However, now it is symbolic of healing, strength, and overcoming my fears.
When God moved us from San Antonio to North Texas, we transitioned to an equestrian area. Our subdivision entry had horse heads on the wall, and there were horse farms surrounding our neighborhood. It was as if God was saying this is where you will receive my strength, once and for all. You will overcome what horses represent to you.
It was also in North Texas that I realized my husband was born four days after my father died. I always say that God began restoring my life four days after my dad’s passing. We are both “Type A’s,” unusual in a marriage, but he has never been intimidated by my overachieving nor by my public careers. He has been a great match and support. I am thankful for our union.
But while marriage partners are helpmates, ultimately, our strength comes from God, and it is important to press into that strength. My life verse is Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV). When I go through something difficult, I repeat that verse. We need to claim the eternal nature of the Lord’s strength. Psalm 73:26 promises, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Throughout the Bible, the horse represents strength in battle. Wealth and power are determined by how many horses one has. King Solomon owned 12,000 horses. Jesus may have left on a donkey, but in Revelation 19, the Word says He will return on a white horse. His appearance will represent strength. His eyes will be like blazing fire, there will be many crowns on his head, and there will be a sharp sword coming out of his mouth that will be used to strike down nations. He will be followed by heavenly armies, and on his robe and thigh will be his title, “King of King and Lord of Lords.” I cannot imagine a stronger image.
If you feel weak, remember this image of Jesus and never forget that the LORD is the source of all strength. He can restore your broken past and is willing and able to pour his strength into the weakened crevices of your body. Search for all the verses that have to do with God’s strength and claim them over your life. The Apostle Paul, who struggled with weakness, said that Christ’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
I’ve learned over many years that I would still be stuck in the past if I had not pressed into the strength of God. The majestic horse is a symbol of how far God has brought me since birth.
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Are you longing for some fellowship and encouragement? We’d love for you to join us at our Level-Up Women’s Conference May 3rd from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.. This year, our guest speaker is Purpose Author Beth Townsend. Worship will be led by Renee Rollins. Also speaking: Lisa Burkhardt Worley, Lane Jordan Burday, Aurora Ortega Geis, Michelle Burden, Onyx Conklin, Zabbie Mikasobe, Rosemary Legrand, and Emily House. We will be leveling up purpose, leveling up pampering, and leveling down pain. The conference is covered by prayer so we know you will be blessed. Register on Eventbrite: https://2025LevelUp.eventbrite.com