I love to hunt. Bow hunting in particular, for deer. Problem is, I can’t really articulate why I have such strong feelings about it. Others like myself simply describe our mutual passion for the sport as something that “gets in your blood”.
Obviously there are the “regular” commonplace things we love about it, like the smell of the woods in the fall or the ever-changing hues of a sunrise observed from up in a tree or a concealed hiding place on the ground. There are the impeccably formed and colored little birds that flit and scuttle about you, close enough to touch, but oblivious to your presence.
Every hunter wants very much to succeed with each hunt, and drag a nice heavy beamed buck home… or a
plump young doe. Most of the time, however, especially for those who hunt with a bow, you don’t come home with any meat. Your stand squeaks at the wrong moment, an unseen tree limb averts your arrow, or the wind shifts and they smell you even before you see them. Once while deer hunting I had called a big tom turkey almost to within bow range. Then four deer came into the area and spooked the turkey. When he took off, sounding like an attacking Black hawk helicopter, he spooked them and they took off. Yeah, like other hunters, I’ve got a million stories to explain all my unfilled tags.
It can get frustrating, disappointing. If you don’t hunt, you might wonder why I don’t quit. But we don’t quit. At least I’ve never met anyone who said they gave up hunting because they didn’t get a deer. There’s just more to it than that.
The anticipation of success sustains you. You may come out of the woods empty handed, but you are already enjoying the plans you are making for “the next time”. Next time it will be different.
Next time we believe we will succeed. And I have to admit, there have been a good many “next times” when I did in fact succeed, and each time was worth it. However, I still want to succeed, just one more time.
Do you ever get frustrated, disappointed by your lack of “success” when you are telling others about the Lord? I do. Sometimes it seems like no one wants to listen, or they listen, but neglect to respond favorably. You can be tempted to believe that no one cares and that you’re wasting your time. But look around you the next time you come together with the church to worship or study. You see all of those people? Remember that very likely most of them were someone’s “next time”.
Consciously, deliberately infuse yourself with a passion for lost people. Train yourself to reach out, telling them what you can about Jesus and His salvation. Realize that every effort you make fulfills God’s will to preach to others regardless of how they respond and just keep going. Next time, maybe someone will open their heart to the Lord. I have had the pleasure of enjoying a good many “next times” in this way as well; and I have to tell you that it is worth it.
Marty Kessler