"You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” Psalm 139:5(NLT)

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. I was driving home after speaking all day at a women’s conference. The conference had been such a blessing and I was praising God for His faithfulness in showing up in a mighty way. I had the honor of witnessing first hand how God was impacting the lives of women and their families. Needless to say, I was on a God-high and loving every minute of it. God was so present and it was easy to see Him on this day.

During this time of spiritual bliss, I noticed something rather large darting on to the road ahead of me. It was a deer and she was headed for my lane. The traffic was heavy and my car had nowhere to go but to continue straight. I slammed on the brakes trying desperately to stop, but it was useless. At the moment just before impact, I looked into that animal’s big brown eyes. Why, oh why, did she run out into the road like that? My car hit that beautiful creature full force. She was tossed into the air and landed, lifeless, in the lane next to mine. I cried, “Oh No! I killed a deer!”

Many stopped to see if they could help, but there was nothing anyone could do. Miraculously, my car was not damaged and no one was injured - except the poor deer.

Anytime something bad happens, I try to see God in it all. I had clearly seen Him at the women’s conference that day. Where was He now? Why did this have to happen and ruin my God-filled day?

When I got home, I ran inside to get my husband. I was crying so hard he could hardly understand me. My four children were also home and quickly became concerned for their hysterical mother. I told them the story. First question from my kids: “Is the deer dead?” First question from my husband: “Is the car okay?” They surrounded me with love and reassured me everything would be fine.

Hours later, I was still shaken. My ultra sensitive and loving son, Dylan, noticed this and offered me a godly perspective on my situation. He said, “Mom, there are many reasons this could’ve happened and none of them are your fault. God has a plan and a purpose for everything, even that deer’s life. Maybe that deer was very sick and God used you to put it out of misery. Or maybe God was protecting the man behind you, so He used your car as a shield. Or maybe God knew that there are many deer, but only one you. He needed you to be my mom today. Mom, whatever God’s reason, it’s not your fault, but you have to trust Him. He was with you the whole time. He never took His eyes off of you or His hand off of your head.”

Oh, will someone pass the tissue please? How is it that a nine year old boy who suffers with anxiety and communication disorders can put this situation in the proper perspective and show me that it’s not about me but about God? I’ll tell you how.

Dylan was looking for God in this sad accident. I wasn’t. It was easy for me to see God in the events at the conference because I was alert, aware, and looking for Him. When tragedy struck, I took my eyes off of Him. Just like Peter trying to walk on water I, took my eyes off of Jesus, and sank.

Do you look for God in all things? Do you see God in all things? I threw my arms around my precious son and thanked him for being the light in my life that day. Then I turned to the Lord and thanked Him, too—for the conference, for my family, for Dylan’s words of wisdom, and for the deer.

Dear Lord, sometimes it’s hard to feel or see Your presence in every aspect of my life, yet I know You are there. Help me to look for You, even when times get tough. Help me to trust You and believe that You are with me every moment of my life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

His Princess, Love Letters from Your King by Sherri Rose Shepherd

Out of the Mouth of Babes by Wendy Pope

Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God by Sharon Jaynes



Application Steps:

The next time you find yourself in an undesirable situation, instead of asking “why me”, thank God for being there with you.

Reflections:

Do believe God is working in your life only when things are good?

Do you thank God for everything that happens to you, good or bad?

Power Verses:

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (NIV)

Deuteronomy 31:6, “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” (NLT)