Preparation – THERE IS NO OFF-SEASON (Part 1 of 4)

My wife, once asked me “Why do you spend so many summer hours prepping for deer season? Can’t you just setup and when it shows up, shoot it?”

As you know, we prepare so that we can increase our chances for a successful hunt in the fall. By placing feeders, and setting food plots we are supporting growth and encouraging good health in our herd. We follow trails and scat to identify patterns. We set and move our cameras in hopes that we can capture a glimpse of what incredible, secretive and beautiful creatures are there. We prep our sets to give us the proper vantage point. Dealing with unwanted predators protects our herd so they can mature and grow for years to come. We trim trees and clear ground so we can focus on that broad side heart shot, and not what is in the way.

We do all of this for that Created Moment that our breath escapes us… Our heart begins to race… That moment we steady our hands…**Deep Breath** That Created Moment we SEND IT! 

That moment may not come if we don’t prepare for it.

We intentionally prepare well to protect our hopes, our aspiration, and we also do it to protect our hearts.

I was thinking about this as it is that time of year again. It is that Prep time of year. It is time to tend to our food plots and trim out those shooting lanes. Time for trail camera slide shows, and shooter inventory. Long hours in the hot sun filling feeders and scouting trails. This “off season” prep work reminds me of a verse in Proverbs.

Proverbs 14:22-23

^“22 Do not those who plot evil go astray? But those who plan what is good find love and faithfulness.²³ All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”

This part really struck me, “²³ All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”  And it is true both for hunting and life. It is not enough to simply say that we want better for our lives, or that we want to follow Jesus. Just like it is not enough to say that we want to harvest a stag this fall. We must work to protect our hearts, and choose Christ over what may be acceptable to those around us, or whatever may be easier. We cannot simply discuss what we would like, we must actively take action and prepare to make an impact on the condition of our hearts. When we do this, we can be prepared for a Created Moment in Life and look forward to what God has in store for us.

All of this starts with one decision. Christ has chosen us above all else, and has shown us the greatest sacrifice as He lay his life down, and rose again, so that we might know true freedom and forgiveness from our sins. This first decision is the acceptance of Christ’s love and forgiveness for us, and all we have to do is ask. When we make that decision to ask for forgiveness and follow Christ He promises in Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The Created Outdoors team is here for you if you have questions about who Jesus is or if you have prayer requests. Maybe you would just like to talk. Our team would love to hear from you and we are grateful for the chance we have had to spend some time with you.

 Please remember that no matter where you are in your life, and regardless of anything that is or that was; Jesus Loves You! He always has, and always will.

God Bless You!