Cowboy Pete

By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.

© God’s Breath Publications

 

A small salty tear ran down the cherub cheek of the little eight‑year‑old boy. His eyes were glued to the pages of the book he was reading under his bed sheets, which were covered with cowboys and Indians. The flashlight he held in one hand barely gave enough light for him to perceive the horrible words he read. Cowboy Pete was in trouble. Pete had fought off all sorts of bad men, but these rustlers had him trapped in a box canyon. Wounded in one arm and his right leg, things didn’t look good for Cowboy Pete.

 

The little boy didn’t want his hero to die. They had been through so many things together. He knew what he must do to rid himself of the horrible heartache. He must go to the last chapter of the book and find out if Cowboy Pete survived. Yes, it was cheating, but what else could he do? The little boy stuck the plastic red flashlight in his mouth while he nervously turned the pages of the book to the last two pages. He closed his eyes and prayed that Cowboy Pete would be there on those last pieces of paper of this adventure. He prayed that he would read of heroism, bravery, courage and fortitude that allowed Cowboy Pete to beat the bad guys one more time. Slowly the little boy opened his eyes a crack. He began reading of the exploits of Cowboy Pete, how he had managed to survive, as well as capture the cattle rustlers without further injury. Through brains and brawn, Cowboy Pete had triumphed once again. A huge smile grew on the freckled face of the little boy. He dried his tears as his fingers scurried across the pages back to Pete who was still trapped in the box canyon. The young boy encouraged with his foreknowledge of future events, was anxious to read the details of how Cowboy Pete had once again established himself as the best cowboy west of the Mississippi. He read how the rustlers encircled Cowboy Pete coming in for the kill. The book spoke to him of Cowboy Pete’s discouragement and pain. “Don’t give up Cowboy Pete, it’s going to be alright!” the boy shouted. As he plowed through the words of overwhelming odds, he continued to whisper encouragement to his hero, Cowboy Pete.

 

We often face situations like Cowboy Pete as we strive to cope and deal with life. It may be stress at work, difficulties in relationships, struggles with temptations or a prolonged illness that causes discomfort and pain. Whatever the struggle, there are times when we feel overwhelmed, as if the cattle rustlers of our lives have surrounded us and wish to do us in. We experience confusion, fear, hopelessness, anxiety and panic.

 

Just as the little boy encouraged Cowboy Pete, God ministers to us during these times because He loves, protects and strengthens His children. Sometimes we sense His ministry and it is a great comfort. Other times we feel He has forgotten us. We feel discouraged like Cowboy Pete, as if we were abandoned to face the dangers of the box canyons of life totally alone. What we must remember at such times is that our faith is not dependent upon our feelings or the situations that overwhelm us. It is established and supported by the truth of God’s word, the knowledge of His grace through Christ and the strength given to us through His Spirit. 2 Timothy 2:19 should encourage us when it says, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,”

 

Just like the little boy who read the last pages of the book, God is omniscient. He knows how our situation will end. He knows what He needs to do to encourage us, protect us, and grow us in Christ. Just as the little boy cheered his hero on, God cheers His children on in the struggles they face. God oversees all situations and doesn’t let anything come into our life that has not passed through the screening of His love and good will. Romans 8:28‑30 gives us perspective when it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” God knows the end of our life story. He wrote the last pages of the last chapter of our book. He loves us and calls us to depend on Him for all our needs. We can be encouraged that no matter how hard life hits us, the good work He began in us will be completed. (Philippians 1:6)

 

Are you facing a situation right now like Cowboy Pete? Do you feel trapped and encircled by the burdens of life? Are you overwhelmed by temptations? Are present circumstances crushing the life out of you? Seek the comfort of God through prayer. Bath your heart and mind with the words of scripture. Calm your spirit by allowing the Holy Spirit to soothe your battered emotions. Trust in the Lord God Almighty who gave His only Son to save you, His most precious child.

 

Romans 15:5‑6

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

2 Thessalonians 2:16‑17

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”