One of the outdoorsmen I most admire is the host of “God’s Great Outdoors,” Gerry Caillouet. Gerry is a gifted communicator and woodsmen who has encouraged many Christian sportsmen’s organizations throughout the country.
Some years back, Gerry was shotgun hunting in the hills of southeast Ohio. “I was still-hunting up the logging road, the prevailing wind was in my face and deer sign was everywhere.” Gerry knew these woods well and figured this was his day to take a nice trophy buck, “It was a perfect day to still-hunt, wet leaves and an overcast sky with occasional spitting of snow showers.”
At midday Gerry was halfway up the road when a nice 8-point buck descended off the ridge top. The deer headed towards an area where the old road and ridge met.
“The buck stopped just before dropping onto the flat. I prepared to shoot just as soon as he came into my shotgun range.” The buck continued to move into range, but Gerry still didn’t pull the trigger. “It wasn’t buck fever or a sudden feeling of guilt, I really can’t explain why I didn’t drop the animal when I had the chance.”
Moving to close the gap even more, Gerry slowly moved down to the animal by quietly crossing a small depression. This time the deer turned broadside and presented the prefect shot. As Gerry pulled up on the animal, he again hesitated. The wind began to swirl and the buck winded him and within seconds spotted Gerry.
“Emotion rushed upon me and screamed ‘SHOOT!’” I still could not pull the trigger. The animal spun and headed across the overgrown logging trail when Gerry placed his sights on the chest of the runaway critter. “As I led the animal, I squeezed off a shot, Boom! Unfortunately, a 10-inch diameter poplar tree took a direct hit as the buck ran between me and the tree.”
“I kicked myself many times for blowing the opportunity,” states Gerry. Continuing to analyze his misfortune he laments, “I often think about how many times I could have taken that deer. I will probably never have another chance to take a trophy animal that close again.”
When was the last time you hesitated to take advantage of a sure thing? Maybe your missed opportunity was a chance to build a relationship, or to assist someone in need, or to encourage a child. What about the last time you could have shared your faith but didn’t?
Almost every day we have opportunities to tell people about Jesus. Many seem to feel that talking about Jesus is the pastor’s job. Scripture indicates otherwise. We’re all to be His witnesses. Don’t get frigid about sharing your faith! Pull the trigger on the next opportunity.
Scripture Reading: Acts 8:26-40
Personal Application: Sometimes when the Holy Spirit nudges us to talk to someone, give a gift, or help someone we hesitate. And in that moment of hesitation we doubt and then fail to act. Next time the Holy Spirit prompts you, don’t hesitate—act!
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5