Deer give us a great example of how patterns change according to one's needs. Right now, in many parts of the country, we are seeing a changing pattern. I always break these down into three periods; early spring through late summer, late summer through fall, and winter. Let me explain. In the early spring through late summer, the land is full of all sorts of food. The deer do not have to travel far to get a variety of tasty foods. During these times, they are somewhat unpredictable because there is no particular place that is more special than another. Late summer through the fall is much different. During this time, soft mast such as apples, pears, and other fruits begin to fall off the trees. And since deer love these, you can trust the fact they will show up with regularity. This also goes for their favorite nuts - acorns. This hard mast will show up on trees that are both out in the open and hidden deep in the woods. These will become a major source of nutrition, especially as the leaves and plants succumb to the upcoming frosts. Lastly, there's the winter months when a deer's food sources will amount to what acorns are left and the grasses that are in open fields. Each of these periods will cause a deer's normal pattern to be changed. And it's all according to need.
Similarly, the needs of individuals change over time and as a result our patterns change. A great example is those couples who have been without children for the first few years of marriage and then decide to have children. Talk about changing patterns! I'll guarantee whatever one was doing before children has significantly changed after the arrival of those little stinkers. The changing of needs has determined a change of what once was a normal pattern. It is very important in our spiritual life to evaluate whether or not our needs are different to what they were, let's say than a few years ago. They actually should be. I would hope you and I have grown to the place that what once met our needs no longer does. I would hope we are continuing to grow in a way so that, on occasion, we look around and say, "I'm really tired of the same ole grass, and sure would like to chomp on a few tasty apples." But in order to enjoy the new crop of goodies God has for you, you are going to have to change the pattern you are in. I don't know what it might be, but I can tell you this.... If you find yourself waning in your spiritual life, it might be that God is trying to get you to realize you are not the person you use to be and what was good for you then, is not what you need now. It's foolish to keep browsing on spiritual milk when God has other stuff for you now. But it's up to you to move.
Join me on Zoom each Tuesday morning at 6:30 central time as we dive deeper into this week's Outdoor Truth. Get the link HERE
Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men's events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org
I can remember my first solo deer hunting trip. I sat in a maple tree that was only about 50 yards from an oak tree that was flooded with acorns. The path to that oak made its way right under my tree stand. I remember sitting there in an old Baker climbing stand that thankfully was later stolen by someone while hunting in Alabama (they probably saved my life). Everything about that hunt was new. Every effort was my first. Every situation was a fresh experience. I had ideas and thoughts, but they came only from other's experiences and not my own. I spent those few hours looking at everything around me from a different perspective and position. The weeks before that day I had listened to others, watched hunters on TV, and had shot my bow as I was taught. Now I was on my own and there was no one to look for answers. I was so new, not only did I not know the answers, but I didn't even know the questions. Have you ever been there?
There's no doubt some who are reading this right now are living in a period of confusion. The cause of this confusion is not important - it all has to do with the need for answers. The problem is that you have prayed and prayed for answers to no avail. It seems as if you have maneuvered words and phrases thinking this would be the difference. You have assumed every position of humility to somehow show God how serious you are, and yet, still no answer. Now you are simply spent. You want to pray. You want to ask God. You want answers. But now you are not even sure you know what questions to ask. There is hope, however, for the believer.
God has given us the person of the Holy Spirit for situations like these. Here's how the Apostle Paul explains it. "And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will." (Romans 8:26-27) Have you ever been speechless? Have you ever been in a situation where the only thing you could do was moan or groan, or simply shake your head? The Holy Spirit interprets this to God in exactly the right question - the question you really wanted and needed to ask. God then gives you what you need the most. God always works in your hurt, not only by giving you the answer but also by giving you the question. And that, my friend, is a deal no one should refuse.
Join me on Zoom each Tuesday morning at 6:30 central time as we dive deeper into this week's Outdoor Truth. Get the link HERE
Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men's events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org
If you would like information about an Outdoor Truths circle event, please click here and call (423) 526-8439.
Comment
Email
Print
