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Both his stature and demeanor were unimpressive to elite breeders. He was exercised with harsh tactics, under cruel restrictions and publicly dismissed by a professionally acclaimed trainer. Eventually the horse, Seabiscuit, became a wild, bitter, and angry animal that was considered worthless to the racing world and was sold for a very small price.
The new owner, a wealthy auto salesman, hired an experienced trainer to work with the racehorse… a man who others would no longer hire… a man who, like the horse, had been beaten up by life a bit. This new trainer had his hands chock full of rebellion with the stallion, but he patiently and painstakingly trained him as best he could. He watched closely as the small horse raced without heart on the track and soon identified a major problem.
“They’ve got him so screwed up running in a circle, he’s forgotten what he was born to do. He just needs to learn how to be a horse again.”
So, in an effort to help the horse remember how to be a horse, the trainer had the jockey run him in open grassy fields. They took the horse back to his roots. Back to a place where space was plentiful and restrictions were but a simple fence. Back to a place of his first love: wild freedom. And by doing so, they awakened a fresh spark of purpose in the heart of Seabiscuit.
He went on to be a champion that ran like the wind.
There have been times in my life when I was so focused on limitations, distractions, doubts, and losses that I failed to see my possibilities. Times when I fixed my thoughts, my goals, my choices, and my habits on ways that led to death instead of life. Times when I lost sight of true vision – God’s awesome purpose for my life: to worship Him, to seek Him, to honor Him, and to obey Him… so that He might be glorified in and through every race I run.
Have you been there? Are you there now?
In order for Seabiscuit to run with the power and passion he was made to run with, he needed to remember that he was a wild stallion. The same is true for you and me. In order for us to live the lives we were born to live, our vision must be cast far beyond our restrictions and obstacles. Our vision must be fixed on the One who designed us to worship with wild abandoned… to live with wild freedom.
You were born to be wild, friend. Wild for Jesus. Wild with purpose. Wildly surrendered to the will of God. Wildly willing to obey His commands. Wildly led by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within you.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God… Lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” (Hebrews 12:1-2,12,13, ESV)
Dear Lord, Thank You for promising restoration, redemption, and renewal to all who call on You. Help me to look beyond my failures, challenges, and limitations to Your abilities, healing power, and boundless love. Be my vision, Lord. Empower me to live in the wild freedom of Your grace and in the center of Your plan. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE: Let’s have a “Post Party!”
POST a comment below saying, “I was born to be wild for Jesus!” … and SHARE a few of the limitations, frustrations, and doubts that you sense the LORD is leading you to move beyond and then LISTEN to this song I co-wrote called Unbroken… that celebrates the indestructible, unchangeable, and endless love of God.
PS: If you need additional encouragement (or if you have a friend who needs encouragement), grab a copy of my book Broken into Beautiful!
Thanks for doing life with me!
I just love you so much I want to squeeze you!
Seriously.
Gwen
Disclosure: Today’s post is has been repurposed
to bring fresh encouragement your way!
Comments 104
I was born to be wild for Jesus ! I will give him my doubts and limitations
I was born to be wild for Jesus, I need to give my fears failure, unworthiness & incompetence to the Lord. I know those are straight from satan and no place in my life. God gifted me with so many wonderful & great skills, I just need to be bold and step out in faith!!
I was born to run wild for Jesus. I am listening and am persevering louder than ever before. I have joy because of this.
I was born to be wild for Jesus….I’m laying aside my over thinking and for my lack of confidence
Thank You, I am so glad I found this site. I have been struggling in my life over all that has been mentioned in Part 1 and 2 “Wild”. I have Given it all over to GOD, but it is still a struggle for me not to do it my way. “One day at a time and turning it all over to God and the choices that he wants for me.” God I Thank You for these women that are out their doing this for you and being your helpers!
I was born to run wild for Jesus!!! I lay aside work and other distractions and know the He directs my path, my husbands path and my children’s paths. May I stay focused on you Lord and allow nothing or no one to hinder me!e
I was born to be wild for Jesus. Today I purpose to lay down all the self pity, feeling of inadequate and oooh yes I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can I can
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I was born to run forward forgetting what is behind and moving forward to take hold of that for which Christ took hold of me! Boundless love and eternal glory. I’m so grateful for this devo at this very time in my life I’m in tears of joy and awe!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I am broken and he has held me close along with giving me horses to care for and cherish for him. Thank you Lord for using me even though life has banged me up a bit. ❤️ Thank you for using Gwen and the GIG team to bless so many each day!
I was born to be wild for Jesus. No devil from hell can stop that. Yippee!
I was born to run wild for Jesus. I have to remember that because once I move into where he wants me to go, I get settled again and forget the race until something jogs me again. Run on!
I was born to be consumed with Yeshua and to serve him will all my heart. I want God to be the one who defines my worth and to see him as my redemption, not people and how they can treat me or say things against me.
“I was born to be wild for Jesus!” Holy God in Jesus name helps me to overlook my limitations and to obey and please him, I’m filled with the Holy Spirit.
I was born to be wild for Jesus!! I was drawn to your devotional today and it has helped lift my troubles and put things in perspective. By focusing on God’s love rather than the distractions of the world, a true peace has started to descend upon me. What a blessing this day is no matter what it holds!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! My physical limitations and mental blocks are no obstacle for God!
I was born to be wild for Jesus. Thank you for this up lifting email today it does a body good. inferiority but you and Jesus just lifted up my heart and soul, thank you
I was born to be wild for Jesus! “Regard of man”, ie. fear of rejection will no longer hinder me!
I was born to run wild for Jesus! Heavenly Father, I praise You for this exercise of reading two chapters to see what speaks to me. I thank You that I have found both encouragement & challenges…&, of course, the means to bravely face them with You upholding me. I am grateful, Lord, for your loving & living Word that guides us through the darkness. I am glad for devotions that goad us into seeking even when we feel unable to do so on our own. I look to You, Abba, for my everything: courage, strength, healing (or not), guidance, love, fearlessness & hope. I am glad that You pursued me through the years & brought me into Your family; despite my unworthiness. In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray. Amen.
I was born to be wild for Jesus! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. PROVERBS 3 : 5-6 I CAN’T wait for the next part of my life in a new ministry
I was born to be wild for Jesus — I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me — all things all possible in Christ. Nothing shall separate me from the love of Jesus!
I was born to run wild for Jesus. Thank you for reminding me that it’s not about this situation that I am going through but what lay beyond the situation. God is preparing me for the next phrase in my life. I am going through a divorce that I do not want but my husband does. I am determined not to become bitter but to become better.
i was born to run wild for Jesus and laying aside fear and inferiorty. leaving all of my fears behind. i will trust God in all that He has planned for my hubby and me.
I was born to be wild for Jesus!
“I was born to run wild for Jesus” praise the Lord for this amazing journey He has orchestrated for me. For the past 4 years God has been doing just that, taking me back to my field where I HAVE LEARNED through His amazing grace; to indeed let go of all earthly pleasure and not only find but EXPERIENCE His JOY!! I am so thankful that He is faithful . I love you Lord!!
I was born to be Wild for JESUS !!!!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I have had many health challenges in the last 4 years, but those challenges have allowed me to focus on what God can do instead of what I can do. So I have no limitations in God. I’m running wild for Jesus!
I was born to run wild for Jesus, and I lay aside my over thinking, fear of being unworthy, and fear of being alone. I also lay aside my son who is a preteen, as a single parent I am fearful of not being able to guide him into the man God is calling him to be. I lay my future husband at the feet of Jesus whomever that man may be God knows and will bring him at just the right time. Thank you for this word I needed it. God Bless.
I understand and have also struggled with fear of raising my kids, especially my son to be who God created him to be, but I pray for us both to learn to put them in God’s hand and trust Him to guide them into the destiny He has planned for them.
I was born to wild for Jesus! Fear of not seeing the full vision of His plan will NOT be my hindering vice any longer…I am trusting the Lord. Amen!
I was born to be wild for Jesus. I want to return to those grassy fields and feel young again!!
I was born to run wild for Jesus! So glad I found your blog Gwen. God’s truth resonates with me through you. Praying for your dad and you and your family.
I was born to be wild for Jesus. He is now my love of my lifetime. He saved a wretch like me. I now am a new creation in Christ as of February 9, 2015 and I can’t stop telling everyone I meet how Good He is and what all He has done for me. Praise God and thank you Jesus for loving me so much and staying on the cross. Now I owe my life to go ye therefore and make disciples.
I was born to be wild for JESUS!!! Thank you Lord! Fear, pride, distractions, and doubt will not hold me back.
I was born to be Wild for Jesus! I am laying aside every lie, fear, insecurity, and hurt that turned into offense… I will continue to learn and embrace in trusting, relying, and holding on to HIM and HIS Beautiful Promises. In Jesus Name, Amen, So Be It.
I was born to run wild for Jesus. I don’t claim the cycle of condemnation because I have been set free. I let those things go, I’m free and I receive the mercy that God so freely gives.
I was born to be wild for Jesus, I am a follower of Christ and I am free of all bonds and chains!
I was born to be wild for Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m laying aside fear of not being the business owner I know I can & will be, fear of feller, fear of hearing no.
I was born to be wild for Jesus!!! Fear will not stop me!! I need to keep my focus on what God has planned for my life and not let anything hold me back!!
I was born to run wild with Jesus. I remove the shackles of doubt, fear, rejection and all limitations and challenges. Praise you Jesus!!!
I was born to be wild for Jesus, and Im laying aside my strategies and my plans. For months Ive been trying to so hard to earn a rise at work, but I decide today to seek for His favor first, and set my confidence on Him instead of men. Every good and favor comes from His hands.
I was born to be wild for Jesus. I know that our Lord is teaching me about forgiveness & mercy w compassion backed-up w godly wisdom; He freely gave it to me so I should do the same. Amen!
August has been a stressful month for me… lol it just started. Please pray for strength. I will try my best to look to Jesus today and not let the stress and anxiety of the world over take me.
Thank you for the reminder of the freedom we have in Christ! Sensing God wanting me to bravely surrender my third trimester of my pregnancy and the delivery of my baby unto Him! Please pray for me. 🙂
I was born to be wild for Jesus!!! After 15 years of working in special education, I lost my job because of degenerative arthritis in my spine. I was in pain daily and could no longer do the job I was in and they said there were no other openings. I have worked with state rehabilitation services, put in over 50 applications for various jobs. I’ve had 2 interviews and about 20 rejection letters. I’m not sure what God has planned for me, but I’m trying to be patient and wait on Him…but there are times I need reminders like this story and Joseph’s to stay patient, move forward and keep faith that His plan will formulate in His time. I ran out of unemployment 2 weeks ago and it’s sometimes hard to do with bill’s looming and only the little I’ve been able to save to exist on. Thanks Gwen for the boost I needed to keep the vision of something good God has planned for me. God Bless.
I was born to be wild for Jesus. I will not pay attention to what limits me anymore,what challenges and frustrates me,but I will trust God and rely on His promises.
I was born to run wild for Jesus. How my life lacks that. I don’t even know how to explain the dry spot I’m in again. I was just starting to learn to read God’s word and express myself to Him, and life got in the way again. I truly believe I am His child, but my focus just gets so off and I don’t feel at all like I have a relationship with Him. I can’t find the words to express that. I know His love for me is Unbroken. Where can I go from your spirit? There is no where I can go that He doesn’t know. But why do I so easily get far from him again. I don’t know how to be led by the spirit.
Father God thank you for your love for me that is Unbroken, I cannot do anything to deserve any more or less of your love. Your love for me never changes. Father bring something into my life again to show me you really are there for me. Someone to encourage, to show me. Most of all reveal yourself to me. I know you have given me your spirit. Teach me Lord to know it, to recognize it, to feel it, to follow it. Lead me to you, Lord. I need a touch from you today.
though my wife is insisting on divorce, like the 7th grade girl who told me i would not dance with you if you were the only person on earth, and our boys hearts are going to be broken, and my church has broken me, and it feels like i know my God has forsaken me, even if He does not want me, i must run for Jesus, in His Love, by His Grace and for His glory…
I was born to run wild for Jesus, and putting worry about the future to rest, and focusing on “living in the moment” for Him.
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I am now walking in freedom. freedom from fear, anxiety, depression, condemnation, guilt, shame, death, negativity, and doubt. I trust God and leave all bondage at the foot of the cross in Jesus mighty, Holy and powerful name. I am purified and undefiled in Jesus name. My innocence has been restored. Amen. Jesus did it!
I am born to be that little girl who held the pail of a few eggs for Mom from laying hens in one hand and held out the other hand to hold onto Jesus hand and skip back from the chicken coop, inside the gate to Mom, singing And He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own…to Ill be a sunbeam for Him. Jesus this was the beginning of my walk with You at age three and a half. I remember it so vividly too. And now my feet move awkwardly and my brain does not always understand…I weep so easily and have lost so much in this new time of disabled now. But I run a new race for You Jesus…my husband reminds me…and let me not grow weary in my new role…but run this new race for Jesus where I’ve been able to witness to many about You…and about the suddenness of death…and being brought back more than once….and how time is precious.
My life verse I chose at just 13 and later found out it was ” famous”. When young and career, spouse–those seem the biggies of life. I’m now disabled, housebound, and this verse still fits!! I have a new path again
“Thou will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand { yesterday just thought–oh that’s where Jesus is–so this means eternity through faith in Jesus} there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11
Gwen
I was born to be wild for Jesus…..I’m done letting fear allow me to put limit on my unlimited God
“I was born to be wild for Jesus!” I lay aside my confusion and my false sense of urgency and listen to His voice, His Purpose for my life, His direction as I run freely toward the path He has made for me.
I was born to be wild over Jesus!!! 😀
I was born to run wild for Jesus! I will not let fear, sickness, shame of my past , or others opinion of me keep me from doing what God has called me to do & being who God created me to be!
i was born to run wild for Jesus. can’t get enough of Him. i have this feeling to scream his name and to chase him and to love him beyond measure… i just want him so much
“I was born to be wild for Jesus!”
I was born to run wild for Jesus. No longer bound by fear, anxiety, or finances.
I was both to run wild with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!!!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! Fear and anxiety will not stop me. I can accomplish ANYTHING through Him who gives me strength.
I was born to be wild for Jesus. I will look past my faults, limitations, expectations and focus on Jesus who is my creator and my source. I needed this message today been struggling with the space I’m in not seeing growth in many areas of my life but that shouldn’t be my focus. I trust God with all of my heart and if I trust Him I know that whatever space I’m in will bring Him glory and He loves me so much. I choose to worship Him.
Amen
I was born to be wild with Jesus! From as long back as I can remember I have been the scape goat. In that there was much rejection, shame, & abandonment. Today I declare no more! Jesus has removed those chains. I am truly free!!!!
i was born to be wild for Jesus.
I was born to be wild for Jesus, and by His grace I will lay aside the shame, the fear, and the constrictions of the future and instead live wild in God’s presence.
I was born to run wild for Jesus and I am putting aside my shame, my guilt, my loveless marriage. I will not lose sight of Jesus again, I am going to dance with my Savior every day.
Please do not lose hope for your marriage! After 18 years, I left my husband & lived apart 9 months. During that time, he indulged in on line porn but I immersed myself in the Lord. God prepared me to face the hard truth. He prepared my husband to enter counseling. He is continually working to reconcile us. I moved home last Nov. & we are doing better than ever…preparing to renew our vows for 20th anniversary. God even gifted us with my “lost” wedding bands – His miracle gift to us! Don’t give up hope & know that God can heal even the most discouraging & seemingly black situation. I will lift you up in prayer, Chana.
I was in the shower and just started humming the song ” I am free” it goes like this I am free to live, I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to praise..I am free to trust the one who died for me today..Our freedom is only found in the One that loves us no matter what we feel like today… Hope this helps someone
I was born to be wild for Jesus. He has restored, renewed, and rebuilt my life. Now I can see the light that has been shining upon me all along. I will run and win the race because Jesus has fueled my soul. Amen!!! Glory be to The Lord of all creation. My King, my stallion.
I was born to run wild for Jesus! With Christ’s Holy Spirit fueling me, His ideas and plans for me will be blessed and I will be a blessing to many! “GET THEE BEHIND ME satan!!”
I was born to run wild for JESUS leaving all negative things behind me !!!!!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! This so fits into what I feel God has been drawing me to – returning to my first Love and the passion I had for Him.
I was born to run wild for Jesus! I have been in a deep dark valley for over 3 years now. My concept has been that God cannot forgive me for my sin – a sin that I feel like I cannot get out of and I have been struggling with hopelessness. I am new to GIG and I have hope now that I can learn a new way of thinkging through emersing myself in God’s word. God is so good!
Keep coming back. GIG has helped me so much in the past year plus more. When I first discovered GIG, I signed up for daily emails and spent mornings reading them with my coffee in hand in my favorite chair and just meditated on the stories if hope and courage and read the verses over and over. Slowly but surely I was delivered from the slimy pit and my feet were set upon the rock of God’s pure love and forgiveness. Give all that guilt and shame over to Him and he will carry that burden and deliver you from the weight that bares down on you. Satan wants us to get down and out and be in fear and doubt. That’s the place where he gets in our head and strips our hope away. Dare to hope, dare to believe that your guilt and shame can and will be removed. Jesus has already paid the ultimate price for whatever sin you feel is holding you down. Let it go, give it to Him and move forward. Our God, Jehovah, wants us to be free of these burdens, that’s why he sent His son, Jesus Christ, to pay the wages if sin so that we can be free to glorify Him with every fiber of our being. He is always there, ever ready to pick us up when we stumble. It is the human condition to be imperfect. Forgive yourself as you have already been forgiven by our Lord and Savior. I felt compelled to reach out to you just now and say all these things to you. It is not my nature to do this but I’m being obedient to our Lord and Savior now. And I hope these words have helped you in some way! Hold your head up high, release this burden, give it to the One True God because you, like me and so many others, are Redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Hi Cathy, thank you for sharing your words of encouragement, I do struggle with letting go of past sins and trying to live with high expectations of myself. Thank you God for using people like Cathy to reach out and share words to reminds us of your unconditional love for us. Blessings Cathy!!
There is no condemnation in Christ!! If Christ does not condemn you – your chains have been off, the door has been open; but you must choose to walk out. Reach for his outstretched hand.
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
I was born to be wild…I WILL NOT FEAR
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I will not focus on limitations, distractions, doubts, & fears and lose sight of true vision. Thank you for reminding me that I have to look beyond my failures, challenges, and limitations to God’s abilities, healing power, and boundless love. Oh how I love JESUS!!!
I was born to run wild in My Lord Jesus, I put aside all fear and doult today .I am more than a conquer in Him..
i was born to run for jesus… my doubts, or fears, is getting a job. and finace, and a ride to sonewhere.
I was born to be wild for Jesus. Know that Christ will be a light on path. Will be my strength. I will be fear. Amen
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I am learning (everyday) that the closer I get the the world the more impatient, frustrated and angry I get, but the closer I get to him the more I am filled with love and patience for not only others but for myself!
I was born to run wild for Jesus! With Your help Father, I humbly ask that You take away my fear, lack of motivation, distrust. Help me to fully understand and accept Your grace. Thank You for speaking to me and teaching me through Girlfriends in God! In Jesus’ Name, amen
I was born wild to run for Jesus! I am learning that even when I feel that I’m under a dark cloud….he gives me light, joy, and peace. God Bless you all! 🙂
I was born to run wild for Jesus, and put aside anxiety and worry! Thank you Lord to giving me Love, Grace and Mercy each day. Each morning Girlfriends in God help jump start my day!!!
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I am learning to focus my thought on His will for me each day in the most positive way I can, knowing He will pick me up in any errors I make!
I was born to be wild for Jesus. Thank you for reminding us of Gods goodness, and help me to put aside my selfish ways.
I was born to run wild for Jesus. i will lay aside my earthly ways.
loving this! – made me want to take off running!!! … thank you for refreshing my heart and spirit. God’s blessings to you.
“I was born to be wild for Jesus!” I have laid aside the doubt that he will DO for me as HE Has done for me in the past and what HE IS doing for me and others Right NOW!! Sometimes I come to a place where even though I know that GOD can and that HE will, I sometimes doubt that HE Will do for me because of feelings of being unworthy. I just came out of that valley of doubt, I woke up praising HIM for the Great GOD that HE is and knowing that HE IS and HE WILL!! Forgive me if I seem disjointed this morning, I just cannot verbalize my praise!! Hallelujah!
I was born to run wild for Jesus! I will move beyond fear to boldly proclaim God’s truths.
I was born to run wild for Jesus! I have a long list of issues tied to being sexually and physically abused as a child. My frustrations are that I continue in unhealthy patterns and habits when I so want to break those chains. I am limited physically because of the poor habits and choices I have made and continue to make. I know the scripture says that God knows me and knew me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb. I am asking God to give me the strength to “lay aside” all the past and wildly run knowing He is right there with me.
I was born to run wild for Jesus! I run shall I admit my mouth, I SHOULD BE SILENT. JUST TOO IRRITABLE AND QUICK TO RESPOND.
I was born to be wild for JESUS. As I wait on Him to show me what He has for my future; job, house, singing opportunities, I will trust Him COMPLETELY. I have no need for worry.
I was born to run wild for Jesus, and I laying aside fear and inferiority. I will live the life God promised me.
I was born to be wild for Jesus ~
I struggle with anxiety and intimacy issues with my husband. It is greatly weighing down my life and stealing every ounce of joy I have. I desire for God to heal me and anything from my past that is keeping me from living a free life.
I was born to be wild for Jesus! I will not let my many fears overshadow the blessings of this pregnancy, I will trust that Gid gave me this baby because he believes I deserve him, I will have faith when the time comes God will give me the strength to deliver naturally and without complications.
I was born to be wild for Jesus
I was born to be wild for Jesus
I am born to be wild for Jesus
I am born to be wild in JESUS, I will be god like and let other know I love the Lord
I was born to be wild for Jesus!!!! I will shine for Jesus and not let anxiety and fear weigh me down!!