What Cows and Bison Teach Us About Facing Trials. When a storm rolls across the plains of the Midwest, something fascinating happens. Cows and bison respond very differently.
It’s often observed that cattle, sensing the storm, turn and try to outrun it. But because storms typically move east, and cows run in the same direction, they can unintentionally prolong their exposure. They keep running… and the storm keeps chasing.
Bison, however, do the opposite. When they sense a storm coming, they turn and charge directly into it. By moving straight through the storm, they actually minimize the time spent in it. They face it head on.
Whether every meteorological detail is perfect or not, the picture is powerful — and spiritually revealing.
Because storms are inevitable.
Storms Are Not Optional in the Christian Life
Jesus never promised a storm-free life.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
Whether you are faced with Health diagnoses. Family tension. Financial strain. Temptation that won’t seem to loosen its grip. Spiritual dryness. Cultural opposition. Storms come.
The question isn’t if. The question is how we respond.
The Cow Response: Avoidance
Our natural instinct is often to run.
We avoid hard conversations.
We ignore sin patterns hoping they disappear.
We distract ourselves from grief instead of processing it.
We postpone obedience because it feels uncomfortable.
But here’s the reality: What we avoid, we extend.
James writes:
“Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2–3
Notice it doesn’t say if you face trials. It says when.
When we try to outrun the storm, we often stay in it longer. Unaddressed sin deepens. Unresolved conflict festers. Avoided grief hardens the heart.
Running doesn’t remove the storm. It just exhausts us.
The Bison Response: Move Through It
Spiritually mature believers learn something counterintuitive:
Sometimes the fastest way through a storm… is straight into it.
That doesn’t mean recklessness. It means courage rooted in trust.
When conviction comes, we repent quickly.
When conflict arises, we pursue reconciliation.
When fear grips us, we lean into prayer.
When temptation hits, we confront it with truth.
David wrote:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” — Psalm 23:4
Notice the word: through. Not around. Not away from. Through. The valley is unavoidable — but it is not permanent.
Facing Temptation Head-On
When dealing with temptation, avoidance alone is rarely enough. We must replace lies with truth.
Paul tells us:
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” — Ephesians 6:11
Standing implies engagement.
Jesus Himself, when tempted in the wilderness, didn’t run. He confronted each temptation with Scripture (Matthew 4:1–11). Truth met the storm directly.
Running from temptation without renewing the mind leaves us vulnerable. But charging it with truth shortens its power over us.
Health and Family Storms
Some storms cannot be fixed — only endured.
A diagnosis. A prodigal child. A strained marriage. A ministry setback.
Charging into those storms doesn’t mean pretending they don’t hurt. It means refusing to let fear dictate our direction.
Peter reminds us:
“After you have suffered a little while, [God] will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:10
Storms are not punishment. Often, they are preparation.
Why We Can Face the Storm
The bison can charge the storm because they are built for it.
The Christian can face the storm because Christ has already faced the ultimate one.
At the cross, Jesus did not run from suffering. He walked straight into it — for us.
Isaiah writes:
“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7
He absorbed the storm of sin so we would never face it alone.
That changes everything. We don’t face storms with self-confidence. We face them with Christ-confidence.
A Pastoral Challenge
When the next storm forms on your horizon, ask yourself:
Am I running from this… or moving faithfully through it?
It may be a hard conversation you need to initiate.
A sin you need to confess.
A habit you need to surrender.
A counseling appointment you need to schedule.
A prayer life you need to deepen.
The storm may still be fierce. The wind may still howl.
But when we face it with God at our side, we shorten its hold over our hearts.
Because storms shape us.
And sometimes, the fastest way to peace… is straight through the wind.
Dave Almgren – Two Pastors Popcorn and a Movie Podcast
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