God’s Provision

God’s Provision

Take your bow and a quiver full of arrows, and go out into the open country to hunt some wild game for me.

Genesis 27:3

When the gardening is finished for the year, the Amish turn their attention to other activities. They help their children with increasing schoolwork; they make sure they have enough wood or coal for the winter. They butcher chickens, and the men set their sights on hunting season. Even though the Amish do not believe in using force against others, they do use guns and bows for hunting.

Not all Amish hunt, but many do. Some Amish will visit local hunting lands when deer season comes around. Others hunt birds and larger game. Amish use both firearms and bows when hunting.

Some Amish own their own piece of hunting ground, located within or outside of the community. Still other Amish may make hunting trips to more distant areas, hiring a driver to do so. Amish may even go on trips to hunt big game in Western states.

. . . Not all Amish agree with the practice of hunting. Some Amish may consider hunting for sport and fun as frivolous and wasteful. Hunting in order to acquire a trophy may be considered prideful by some Amish. Others find fault with Amish hunters who purchase expensive hunting equipment.

Hunting reminds us that God is our provider. He provides game, and He provides hunting skill. Being on a hunt is also a great way to commune with God. In the woods, our senses are on alert, and the stillness seems almost to stop time. There is no technology to distract us. There are no busy highways to threaten our slow pace. All hunters are equal, something unusual in the divided worlds of Amish and English.

When have you last spent time in nature and gotten away with God? Even if hunting does not appeal to you, walking on a nature trail can pull you away from this busy world and take you to a place of peace where it’s easier to hear God’s Spirit speak to your heart.

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for those moments when the outward trappings of life are stripped away. Help me to discover Your provision in a new way today.