Stomped

Stomped
by Brodie Swisher

I had a front row seat this past weekend to quite a show as bow season opened once again in Montana. I sat in my ground blind in the middle of an apple orchard that bordered a large alfalfa field. The orchard was no doubt a magnet, drawing deer from all directions. Most of the activity on this hunt came from does and their fawns. The featherweight fawns didn’t seem to have a care in the world. On more than one occasion a pair of fawns zipped back and forth past my blind as they chased one another around the orchard.

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Things got interesting when a coyote showed up and began to slip in to investigate the deer herd. Every mature deer in the herd went on red alert. However, the fawns continued to play their game. They were oblivious to the danger that loomed about. They needed correction…and the boss doe of the bunch seemed to be happy to give it to them. I watched in amazement as the biggest doe in the herd marched over and began to stomp these fawns. She kicked, poked, and pushed these two young fawns until they seemingly saw the error of their ways. They soon followed the lead of the other deer in the bunch and made their way to a safer place.

I couldn’t help but think of the many times throughout my childhood where such a stomping would’ve been justified. Oh, I got my fair share, but there were countless times I needed a reality check to the dangers that loomed about my life. In fact, even as adults we tend to be oblivious to the dangers lurking all around us. We often walk blindly through life unaware that satan is waiting and watching for his moment to pounce. So be alert to his attempts to attack. Don’t walk through life unguarded. And when you feel like God is working you over good, just remember, He may simply be stomping you into submission, bringing you back to a point where He can lead you to safer ground.

“For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.”  Hebrews 12:6

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