Do Not Bolt
Good Morning,
A horse that gets startled by a noise or snake and runs suddenly is said to "bolt." Riders who use their horses for work cannot afford to work with a horse at risk of bolting.
Many people will tie a horse near a traffic area so that the animal will grow accustomed to horns and auto noise. People who hunt with a horse, slowly allow a horse to be near gunfire enough to keep it from running when a shot is fired at game.
As children of God, do not bolt! God needs you in the fight - He does not need you to cower or run away. You may experience shock or sudden fear, but hold stead and trust the One Who holds the reins – do not bolt!
The Apostle Paul had some difficult warnings tossed his way, but he did not BOLT.
Acts 20:24 “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”
Many a believer will look back in life and regret certain actions. Especially, those who BOLTED simply for self-preservation.
Most of us understand that sudden reactions are more often unwise than not. To BOLT when threatened is selfish, yet natural - understandable but not admirable. To BOLT when a marriage trial comes our way is tempting, but not godly.
The sudden change of lanes causes us to run into a car we did not see. The sudden turn while walking brings about a sprained ankle. A hurried slam of the door to race away results in a broken door: these types of reactions cause us to say and do many things we will regret.
The same principle applies to spiritual actions. Satan will throw multiple fiery darts at us. As Paul said, the key is not to be moved.
In battle, it is often said that the first one to move dies.
I have seen a wife panic at her husband's wrong and BOLT from the marriage. I have also seen that many times the wife and children suffer, and on top of that, the wife will do more wrong in BOLTING than the husband did when he made his wife angry.
Some people BOLT from a great church when they are offended or do not agree with a decision. The same people end up in a church doing nothing for the cause of Christ. Staying close and working through things is far better. A child who runs away from home, or a spouse who walks out on a marriage usually has no idea where they will go – they simply BOLTED – and most of the time, whatever they end up doing is a mess.
DO NOT BOLT – Carefully and thoughtfully plan your actions.
Pastor