In "Half Broke Horses," the protagonist grapples with the concept of divine will during a flood. While another character insists that the flood is an act of God that requires submission, the protagonist challenges this notion. To them, submitting isn't an expression of faith but rather an act of surrender. They believe that if God provides the strength to fight against adversity, then taking action to save oneself is the true path of faith.

This internal conflict highlights a broader theme of personal agency versus surrender in the face of hardship. The protagonist's perspective emphasizes the importance of resilience and the belief that divine assistance often manifests through the courage to act rather than passively endure circumstances. It captures the essence of human determination and the moral responsibility to confront challenges head-on.