This is a profound and powerful way to express a difficult but essential biblical truth. The word "harness" is particularly insightful—it brings to mind the image of a farmer harnessing a powerful animal, not to break its spirit, but to direct its strength for a productive purpose. God does not merely send trials; He harnesses them, using their difficult energy to guide, train, and direct us toward His good purposes.
Here is a reflection on how God harnesses us through trials and tribulations.
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Harnessed by His Hand
The trial comes, a sudden force,
Throwing my life completely off its course.
The tribulation,pressing, tight,
A heavy,overwhelming night.
I feel the pull, I feel the strain,
A current of confusion,grief, and pain.
I buck and pull,I try to flee,
And cry out,"God, why do this to me?"
But in the struggle, I can feel,
A presence,making my soul kneel.
Not to the storm,but to a will,
A love that holds and harnesses still.
God harnesses us through trial and tribulations.
He is the farmer, wise and kind,
Who does not leave His own behind.
He puts the yoke upon our strength,
To guide our course,to go the length
He has appointed,good and true,
To make our faith both strong and new.
The harness is not meant to break,
But for our wandering spirit's sake.
It pulls us from the dangerous ledge,
And teaches us to trust the edge
Of His own wisdom,not our sight,
To walk by faith,and not by light.
“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10)
The fire burns away the dross,
The harness saves us from the loss
Of running wild and going astray,
And teaches us to trust His way.
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
So in the trial, I will trust,
That God is merciful and just.
The yoke is easy,the burden light,
When I surrender in the fight.
For in His harness, I am led,
To pastures where my soul is fed.
And though the path is steep and long,
His harness is my victory song.
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Understanding the Harness:
This metaphor helps us see God's purpose in our pain:
1. Direction, Not Destruction: A harness is used for guidance, not for harm. God uses trials to steer us away from paths of self-destruction and toward His life-giving will.
2. Partnership in Labor: A harness allows an animal to partner with the farmer in meaningful work. Our trials allow us to partner with God in the work of shaping our character and fulfilling His purposes (James 1:2-4).
3. Control of Power: Our raw strength and emotions, untamed, can be destructive. The "harness" of tribulation teaches us self-control and channels our energy into productive faith.
4. A Sign of Ownership: A harness signifies that we belong to the farmer. Our trials remind us that we are God's beloved children, and He is actively involved in our training (Hebrews 12:7-11).
A Prayer in the Harness:
"Heavenly Father,
This trial is hard. This tribulation is painful. I feel the pull and the strain, and I don't understand why this is happening.
But I choose to trust that You are the wise Farmer who holds the reins. You are harnessing this situation for my good and Your glory. Forgive me for fighting against Your guidance.
Help me to lean into Your yoke. Teach me what You want me to learn. Direct my strength where it should go. Use this pressure to make me more like Jesus—more patient, more faithful, more reliant on You.
I surrender to Your harness. I trust Your hands. Lead me on.
In the name of Jesus, who endured the ultimate trial for my sake, Amen."
