I recently came face to face with a buck. Well, almost face to face. I was traveling home from work on a rural road soon after sunset. I approached an intersection, and suddenly, in my peripheral, I saw a large object dart to the edge of the road. I instantly reacted. My body tensed up and my eyes darted to the road’s edge and my rearview mirror. I gripped the steering wheel and my foot slammed on the brake. My heart beat like it was pounding out of my chest. I screamed; inwardly and outwardly.

After coming to a complete stop, I turned my head to face the object and recognized it as a large buck. My eyes seemed to bulge out of its sockets and fastened on the buck’s antlers, then later to its majestic stature. The buck stood still and calm, unbothered, as if nothing could disrupt who and what it was. My presence didn’t upset, bring fear, or alter its intention to cross the road. When the buck was ready, it chose to cross the road behind my truck. And in seconds, it was out of my view.

I sat at that intersection shaking. Thoughts of what could have happened raced across my mind. I gathered myself, cautiously looked in all directions, and slowly continued my journey home. My mind continued to race. I then remembered to breathe.

My inhale and exhale settled me. I heard God whisper, Tammi, breathe again. So, I did. God repeated his instruction, and I obeyed His whisper each time. He then began to pour wisdom into my spirit like an overflow of refreshing water. He allowed me to recall what I just experienced – this time with revelation, accompanied by a force of unmovable strength. The impact was undeniable. God consoled me and His creation was reborn.

I saw God that day. God showed me His majesty, protection, power, and provision – yet again. He has sustained me and has allowed me to walk in stillness, no matter the terrain, for such a time as this. God’s got me. I’m mighty grateful!

God is intentional in ways that get our attention. When He reveals Himself, we are wise not to dismiss Him. Instead, we should lean in closer in hopes of receiving a fresh perspective. No one is exempt from the refilling God offers. We all need to see God for who and what He is. 

Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? – Exodus 15:11