Exhilarating
February 1, 2021 by Elaine James
Filed under Daily Devotions, Humorous
By Elaine James –
“Oh my gosh,” I screamed as I approached the top of a small hill. I clinched the brake handles of my bicycle and came to a screeching halt. There I was, face to face with a deer. I got off my bike in utter disbelief as eight other deer pranced across my path. They stopped only 10 feet away, then turned to stare at me. My heart was racing with delight. Life seemed to stop.
“This is exhilarating!” I thought to myself. “God does this moment really have to end?” It would be dark soon so I knew I couldn’t stay much longer.
The deer stood motionless for minutes, but began to leave one at a time, before I was ready, confirming the moment was over.
Some people approached from behind. When they caught up to me, I asked, with enthusiasm “Did you see that?”
“See what? “They retorted.
I gulped. “The nine deer that just surrounded me. ”
“No, we did not see anything.”
I could not believe it. I am so electronically challenged. You would think that I would be able to get my cell phone camera working to capture the moment! Without proof, would anyone even believe me?
“God, what just happened?”
God’s still small voice answered, “I brought you out to this forest preserve, just as I brought Elijah out of the cave to the cliff edge so I could pass by him. He discovered I was not in the wind, earthquake or fire that appeared before him. I am not in the deer. I am the creator of the deer. I chose to reveal myself to you.”
As I left the park that day, crying, I knew this was no coincidence. You see, I had been asking God to help me prepare to teach at an upcoming retreat that weekend. I had been meditating on 1 Kings 19, which is the story of Elijah.
As I laid my head on my pillow that night, I felt giddy, just as I felt as a little girl when I saw my favorite animal at the zoo. I giggled with excitement, for I knew I was ready to testify that “God wants to reveal himself to you too! Seek Him and you will find Him.”.
PRAYER: Father in heaven, help me to stay close to You so I can experience You more in my life.
“But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him” (1 John 2:27b).
Today’s devotional is by Elaine James, author of the tract JOURNEY, certified personality trainer and graduate of Christian Leaders Authors and Speakers Seminars. She is a prayer ministry counselor, accomplished actress and certified Christian storyteller. Her dramatic performances have made many aware of their problem with Major Mind Overload and their need to take every thought captive in obedience to Christ. Elaine is a recycler—nothing God teaches her is wasted. www.elainejames.com
I loved this, Elaine. God does teach us in simple things, when we anticipate that He loves to speak to us. One day, driving on a spring day, I was overcome by the realization that God didn’t make nature all one color.
I was captivated by the “greens” that day. God could have made all greens the same green, but He didn’t. There is blue-green, yellow-green, pea-green, celery, apple green, chartreuse, olive, lime, mint, sea green, pistachio, etc. ~ so many shades, including just plain green!
I love the wonder of it all … the realization that God is the Supreme Artist, and He created all things not only to express His love, but to delight His creation ~ mankind. Thanks, again, Elaine. (I may just write about the “greens” thing myself!)
I love what God showed you about green! Do write about it. We need more exhilarating stories. Thanks for your comments.