Did you know God is watching you, even when it seems like there is no one there? As Fiona explains, He never leaves our side.
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
My husband and I love living in the country. One of our enjoyments is watching the herd of deer that live close by. Each Spring, we watch and wait with anticipation to see the latest crop of fawns.
One late afternoon my husband came in to tell me that there was a small fawn laying in the grass beside our driveway. We were very worried, but at the same time we didn’t want to touch it or move. So, we waited for mom to return and retrieve the baby, but by bedtime the baby was still laying there, as low in the grass as was possible.
The next morning the baby was still there! We were shocked. Where was the mother? Had she been hit by a car? Why had she not returned to retrieve her baby?
With worried minds, we went about our morning. As my husband was leaving for work, suddenly out of the woods came the mother who quickly retrieved her baby, and they both returned to the woods. We knew then that she had been hiding in the woods the entire time, watching her baby, making sure nothing would harm it. My husband realized later that she must have been moving it when he brought out the mower the previous day. The baby had known instinctively to lay low until mom came back, no matter how long it took.
I was thrilled to see the pair united, but it also struck a chord deep within me. It was a reminder to me of how our Father God watches over us, oftentimes from the shadows, and we don’t even realize it. When we think He is taking a long time to act and get impatient for something to happen, we have to remember that He has perfect timing and knows when it’s the right time.
I continue to be greatly encouraged by that interaction between the deer and her fawn. It encourages me, especially when I’m struggling with pain or one of my many illnesses, that God is there, watching over me, even if I don’t see Him or feel Him. It challenges me to have stronger faith in Him, that He is always there and will not let anything happen to me. God is always watching!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please continue to remind me that you are watching over me and taking care of me, especially on those days when I’m not feeling very good and can get stuck on how I feel rather than keeping my eyes on you.
About the Author:
Fiona Burky is a retired Licensed Clinical Counselor who lives in Ohio. It is only by God’s grace and strength, that she has been able to endure her multiple health issues. You may view her blog at: http://fionab-growingbeyondyourpainfulpast.blogspot.com.
Have there been times in your life when you didn’t think God was around and were surprised to find He’d been at your side the whole time? How do you deal with those times when you feel you’re alone…do you rest in knowing He’s watching over you or do you allow yourself to fret and worry.
Fiona: I love this illustration that you and your husband observed yourselves.
I once had the precious experience of seeing and touching a very young fawn. Our neighbour’s teenaged daughter had brought it home in her car one Friday after school, after looking around for the mother without success. . First thing Monday morning the proper authorities were called and they were able to reunite the pair.
I was impressed with how uniform the dots were on each side of its little body. What a beautiful creature.
I have a special talent for worrying. I’m in a new physical symptom now that I think should be attended to quickly and I’m going to try to see my family doctor tomorrow to get the ball rolling. I’m fearful of having to go to the E.R. where I’ll likely have to wait a long time. The Lord helped me today and I’m so grateful. By His grace I’ll wait patiently for Him to work out the best solution.
Grace & peace. Beth
Thanks Fiona for sharing this beautiful image of how God IS constantly watching over us, even when His timing to ‘rescue’ us isn’t what we expect.
Beth and Anne: Thank you for your kind comments. Beth, I pray for you that the Lord will direct your dr. so that they can find a quick answer and remedy to this new physical symptom you’re experiencing. Hoping you don’t have to wait in the E.R.!
Anne, I’m glad that this was a nice reminder to you that even though God doesn’t rescue us when we think He should, that He does it when the timing is right. My husband has been struggling with finding a better job for over two years and recently someone told him to “Praise Him in the hallway when you’re waiting for the door to be opened”. I think it really helped him get a better perspective on everything.
Fiona:
I appreciate your response. Thanks. I was able to get an appointment with a nurse practitioner for early this afternoon, even though I just called for it this morning. My hubby and I had already planned to go to the little town near us for our regular Bible Study/Prayer Meeting, so it worked out really well.
The good news is that, at least for the time being, I don’t need to be alarmed. The N.P. examined me and gave me some good advice while I continue to wait for a non-urgent colonoscopy. So I’m greatly relieved! How I thank the Lord that I didn’t have to go to the E.R. and got this seem to quickly!
In the hallway waiting for the door to open – another great image, thanks Fiona
And thanks for sharing your ‘rescue’ and relief, Beth. Yay. His timing is always perfect.