Bighorn Surprise
Matt Miles • April 23, 2021
On a recent trip to the great state of Montana, we experienced the Lord working in people’s lives. In the midst of being blessed by great hospitality and open arms from our brothers and sisters in Christ, Bob and I were far from home to accomplish a task. The Lord used us to reinforce faith in Him and His Word in mighty ways. We saw strongholds, from big to small, of evolutionary worldviews broken down and filled with the Truth instead. The freeing was visible on many faces, with a renewed excitement for the Lord’s Word and study.
While in Montana we also had the opportunity to observe wildlife we don’t experience often here in Oklahoma. For Bob, a bighorn sheep was on the list. So, one afternoon we were shown a herd of these majestic sheep - not on the side of a mountain, not on a mighty cliff face, not at high altitude after a strenuous hike… but in the chain-link fenced backyard of a subdivision house. Not exactly where we expected to see them, to say the least. Evidently, this is a common occurrence during this time of year as they forage the greening grass and flowering plants in yards. This was not the most impactful site for me that afternoon, though.
As the herd peacefully grazed in this nice suburban backyard, they didn’t seem to notice or care about us on the street. Traffic came and went, slowing to observe this seemingly odd site. The sheep didn’t even seem to be concerned by the home owner working around the front yard and vehicles. Then, in a flash, the herd’s posture changed to alarm. We observed all their bighorn-adorned heads pop up and clearly observe an impending threat. In almost one fluid motion they began to move away from the house and flew over the fence. To my shock, a small white dog came running around the house, obviously upset by the sheep in its yard. (Take another look at the picture) This dog was barely taller than their ankles and could be silenced by a couple of swift kicks of a hoof, or better yet, a nice thump of a head and horn from these mighty animals. Yet, this small, high-stung vocal attacker fooled the sheep into fear and intimidation. I could only watch in total shock as the sheep didn’t stand their ground and fight but instead gave up their “green pasture” to this unworthy adversary.
O, what a truth was expressed that afternoon for each of us. During these days our adversary, Satan, is putting up a lot of bluster and intimidation. Like those sheep, many times we let that cause fear and we run from what the Lord has blessed us with. We are fooled into thinking that he (Satan) actually has more power than he does, maybe even mightier than the One who lives within us. I was reminded of 1 Peter 5:8-11 where we are reminded that in the face of suffering we are to stand firm knowing we are not alone. In the face of increasing persecution from the evil one and his minions, I urge you to stand firm. Continue LOOKING UP to the One who gives us strength and freedom from all adversaries!
EACH OF THESE ARTICLES ARE EXCERPTS FROM AMERICA’S EPIC ADVENTURE TM - CTF'S NEWEST VBS CURRICULUM From Lesson 1: The Pilgrims, Walking by Faith in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5-6
There are moments in life that we experience the Lord’s Providence, which is the continual guiding and caring of us for His purposes. We may go though trials and suffering now to refine our faith in preparation for eternity. Other times we may see it for the here and now, with the aligning of plans for His purpose in our life, maybe with the opening or closing of a door. Many times we see Providence only in hindsight, looking back on life and seeing His hand working, molding and inspiring us for His plans and to His glory. I can see the Lord’s Providence at many times over the course of my life. Early in my grade school years I developed a love for building models I was recently reminded, along with my father, that we built a train set together in our basement. Following that, I began to build model cars and airplanes. I now know that love of building, tinkering and problem solving was Providence preparing me for this ministry. The Lord taught me early on how to stay focused and pay attention to detail. What I thought was only a hobby at the time is now something I must use on a regular basis in things such as fossil restoration, building crates, trailer and vehicle maintenance for our mobile museum. Later in high school, while active in church, the Lord called me to serve our children’s church ministry. I began to help teach others about Jesus. It seemed insignificant at the time. I remember helping in lesson times and the puppet ministry. I even was cast as “Pastor Rufus” in one of our ongoing puppet skits. My opportunities to share Christ and be an example to those younger than I was tremendous. Again through His Providence, the Lord was guiding me and calling me to ministry. He developed in me the love of teaching His Word to others, priceless to me today. Then in college Providence brought Theresa and I together. The Lord knew exactly who I needed to be my bride for life. She is strong in my weakness and more Christ-like than anyone I know. She is the perfect helpmate and partner for me in ministry as well, which has so far been 34 years, to be exact. Many times the Lord has used her discernment to direct me through a situation that I did not see correctly. I am thankful every day for Providence that brought us together in life and eternal work. As I look back on my life, there are more Providential moments than I have space to write. Most of those times have directly guided me to this specific ministry and my call to preach and teach His Word. Looking back on life and identifying those moments of Providence from the Lord is humbling and awe-inspiring. Please take a moment to remember your own moments when Providence has been evident in your life. This ministry is about identifying Providence from the beginning. His plan from the start is us spending eternity in His presence. Our sin messed some things up, but not His plan. He always has and always will know exactly how to guide and care for us so that we bring Him the glory, now and eternally. There is not a month that goes by that we here at CTF don’t praise the Lord for His Providence through you, our supporters and sustainers. Join with me in thanks for His Providence each day, guiding as only our Creator and Savior could do. Psalms 31:3-5 Blessings.