Ask, Seek, and Find
It would seem that people as a whole, we have become more entitled. We tend to ask for materialistic things, or lifestyle changes that we want when we pray. Better jobs, more money, less stress, a cure for an illness. As hunters, we may ask for a shot at our target buck (I am also guilty of this). Almost as if we need these things for a better quality of life. Is this what society has become?
As outdoorsmen, we live for a peace that we feel in the outdoors. As we get away from the hectic lifestyles that we live, seeking relaxation, it becomes easy to forget to enjoy the things that really matter. The things that we take for granted. Things that we are otherwise too busy to notice. My wife and I have made it a point to acknowledge the beauty in the sunrise and sunset, the deer feeding in the fields, and the views of Lake Erie as we drive past on our way to school, work, or home. Our daughter has grown up with this open discussion about how blessed we truly are to have such gorgeous sights. Another day to be alive, and time to spend together. How all creation is only existent through Christ, and each sight is a blessing and sign from God.
Being fortunate enough to have my father to introduce me into the outdoors at a young age, it quickly became a passion of mine. Hunting became a way for me to connect and feel closer to God. I learned that the success of a hunt is not measured by the animal harvested, but the experience of the hunt. Finding that the signs from God are in fact our everyday experiences. To truly appreciate the blessings of life, friends, family, and having an ability to provide for my family. Passing this understanding along to the next generations is important for the future and survival of our outdoor sports and the health and welfare of our country.
Created Outdoors Founder Doug DeHarpart
You see, having an opportunity to get out into the outdoors is an opportunity to experience God’s creation in a way that most people do not. Hearing the wildlife awaken as the sun begins to rise is a beauty that is best shared. Every chance we get to spend time with our friends and family in the deer stand, duck blind, and/or turkey woods, we not only make memories that last a life time, but we get to see signs from God first hand. Genesis 1:14 says “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years.”
As we practice shooting our bows or sighting in our firearms to ensure successful harvests for the upcoming season, imagine if you practiced getting to know God in the same way. Seeking a relationship with your father, your creator. Just as you find that practicing with your bow makes you a more accurate shot, practicing in prayer will bring you closer to Christ. Pray for the safety and success of those that share in our passion, our profession, and our communities. For those that lead our great nation. Be thankful for the ability to spend time outdoors in God’s creation. Ask for clarity, discipline, and strength in faith. The more you seek a more intimate connection with Jesus, the more you will find the signs. John 4:48 states “So Jesus said to him, unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.”
As we share our passion for the outdoors with those we care about, share in prayer to spread the word of God. This will help grow the relationship between us and those we care about, as well as the relationship between Christ and those we care about. If you seek Christ, you will find that there will be a strengthening to your ability to love and enjoy life. Your passion for Christ will grow, and so will your success and passion for the things that you enjoy such as the outdoors. We will leave you with this thought. Until next time God bless.
Send all prayer requests an inquires to hire us for speaking events to:
Evan Gersper