God Has the Biggest Part

The more we are acquainted with the way a deer functions in its natural habitat, the more clearly we can see the spiritual lessons that God wants us to learn. While the male deer, the hart, is a wonderful example of sure-footedness, still more wonderful is the female, the hind. Those who have watched it leading its young into the hidden fastnesses of the mountain peaks say it is the most perfect example of physical coordination that God ever made.

Why is this physical coordination so important?

When a deer moves upwards over a steep mountain slope, it proceeds by leaping from one spot to another. So it needs to be certain that its back feet will land on something solid. By positioning its front feet on something secure, it instinctively knows that if its rear feet land there also, it will proceed upwards in safety. If this were not so, and the deer’s back feet were to land on a loose rock, then it would slip and meet with serious injury—perhaps even death. This sense of perfect coordination is not something the deer learns; it is an instinctive ability given to it by its Creator.

And what God has done for the deer in the natural realm, He is able to do for us in the spiritual realm. Listen to the words of the psalmist: “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer” (Ps 18:33). Note the word “makes.” I find that deeply encouraging. It is not something I have to achieve on my own; He has a part in it too. And, may I add—the biggest part.

Further Study

Isa 26:1-4; Ps 92:15; 61:2; Mt 7:24-29

What did Isaiah declare?

What was Jesus teaching?