In most areas I hunt in, the prevailing good wind is out of the Northwest. The hardest places to hunt are the ones where that wind is downwind to my deer because I am unable to place a stand in any other position. The common phrase we hear when it comes to all hunting is, “East is least, West is best.” I believe that is pretty much accurate. And I also believe a south wind is never good for me as well. So, you can imagine how I felt as I sat in a tree stand for 3 days in a southernly wind. I was not too confident, and my confidence ended up proving correct. There was very little activity. I’m not sure if this was the only reason, but it was enough to give it the blame. During those days, I kept looking at the weather forecast to see when the winds may change – both literally and metaphorically. I needed something to happen. But I just couldn’t imagine the current changing fast enough before my hunting days were over. But during the end of the week, the weather man said the winds were going to change from south to north. That seemed extreme to me. I mean that is the exact opposite direction. No long curve. No gradual bend. Just at 4:00 p.m. the winds will switch from south to north. I was not convinced. But what was good about this prediction was that I would be in the tree stand when this changeover was supposed to happen. So, it would be easy to verify such an occurrence. So, there I was at four o’clock sitting in my tree stand, when the wind that was coming out of the south, completely flipped. And what was just a minute before gusting from behind me, was now blowing in my face. It all happened that quickly.
In the same way I have witnessed my circumstances change as well. I have seen God change the direction of my situation in ways that were just as radical and immediate. And I’ve seen him do it in ways, and from resources, I never imagined. That’s why I always try to remind myself that God has ways I have never even thought of. And He can turn my situation 180 degrees in one minute’s time. And He can do the same for you and with the circumstance you find yourself in right now. So, my friend, don’t give up hope. Don’t quit believing. Don’t hem God in. If He can turn water into wine, He can turn your hurts into happiness and your worries into wealth.
Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for over 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations.