Finding Truth in the Forest

by Joyce Sykes
Published April 25, 2007

Many in today’s society question the very existence of God. They have seen so many that talk the talk but fail to walk the walk. Stories and newscasters loudly proclaim the ministries that once stood for truth but have fallen in disgrace, usually through the lust of the flesh. In reality, why would anyone want to believe in the God spoken of by these ministries and double-talkers. However, there is no question for multitudes of His existence or that His love for us is real and He is always with us.

In the late seventies, a young couple had started attending a new church in our small farming community. The husband at this point in his life was agnostic. If there was a God, he did not know Him and really had shown no desire to find out. After several months of attending services at the insistence of his wife, small seeds of doubt had been placed into his heart concerning his beliefs. He could see the changes in her and yet could not imagine this ‘Jesus and God’ spoken of week after week could really have the same impact on his own life. Jimmy was still unsure of God’s existence.

After a rather strong message one Sunday, Jimmy knew he had to do some real soul searching, but he needed to be totally by himself. The next day, immediately after work, he picked up his gun and traipsed off into the woods to his hunting stand deep in the woods. Climbing up the ladder, he had his plan of action mapped out.

“God, if You are real, if You are who everyone says You are, then You are going to have to prove it to me. I have heard this stuff all my life and have never believed it before. They say You love and care for me, that Jesus died for my sins. If you are truly God and these sermons the pastor has been preaching is true, then I want You to make a deer walk out in clear view, so I can get a shot at him.” The final words of his statement echoed in the forest, even as the thoughts floated in his mind, ‘This is so stupid! It will never happen and I am wasting my time and breathe.’

Less than two minutes later, the underbrush nearby began rattling. At first, the noise was directly behind him but continued traveling closer and closer. Nervously, he perched on the edge of the stand, knowing bears also inhabited these woods. Suddenly, a magnificent buck broke through to the opening directly below. He pranced and pawed until he stood in the center of the small clearing. Rapidly, the beautiful creature turned, stood perfectly still and looked up directly into the eyes of the startled hunter. Eyeball to eyeball their gazes locked for what seemed to be eternity. In total shock, Jimmy watched this woodland creature. With watchful eyes, the buck watched his every move and yet was not afraid. Ten or fifteen minutes later, he pawed the ground once more, snorted, turned and trotted back into the underbrush.

There was no choice but to acknowledge not only God’s existence, but all he had heard recently was true. His challenge had been answered. In fact, the test was clearly answered beyond any question. The deer did not simply cross paths with him. It deliberately walked into the clearing, looked challenging into his eyes and seemed to say “Okay, you wanted proof, so here I am, up close and personal. God sent me to show you that even in something this small, He hears you and wants you to know Him.” Jimmy surrendered his life to the Lord that day. He knew that this Savior cared for him, loved him and longed to show His self faithful and true.

Through the years many others have shared their own stories of answers to this challenging question. Just as the young man in the woods so long ago, many are desperately seeking the truth today. The Lord delights to prove Himself to those who are truly seeking. Is it true that He’s alive, that He cares and loves you? Absolutely! It’s not just for the neighbor across the street or the little old lady that lives down on the corner. Jesus loves you! His love has traveled down through time to this moment in your life. He’s waiting and willing to meet you at your point of need. You may never be in the woods crying out to see proof of His existence; nevertheless He will wrap His divine love around you like a blanket, surround you with His Mercy and guide you to the safety of His Grace.

Father God sent His only son Jesus to walk this earth two thousand years ago. His goal was to make a way for reconciliation for mankind to God. That goal was accomplished on the cross with His only Son’s death. It is through His blood that we gain access to our Heavenly Father. It is for today, here and now! Today, may you feel His love wrapped close around you.

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