God's Marvellous Creation
Andrew staggered half-dressed out of his snow cave into the pre-dawn gloom. Afterwards he turned around and realised his mistake. Because he hadn’t marked the entrance to the snow cave with his ice axe, he couldn’t find his way back in! After the initial panic, he looked out across the top of the clouds surrounding Ruapehu and as the sun rose, he had the revelation, “My Father made that! There’s someone out there bigger than me – He made that sunrise!” Andrew had a spiritual encounter right there – and lived to talk about it!
Like Andrew, many of us men feel closely connected to God when we are outdoors. Immersing ourselves in creation brings us closer to the Creator. There is a reason that sunsets are the most photographed subject. The unending beauty, variety and majesty that engulf the sky move us.
When we pause and absorb this beauty in the stillness of a dawn or twilight, our spirit can more easily commune with God. The natural rhythm of day and night, tides and seasons, measures our progression through life with incremental change each day.
Andrew has been an outdoor instructor for many years, specialising in climbing, kayaking and diving. He says that when he takes groups into the bush, he points out the incredible complexity and variety that exists, even within the same type of bush. When you stop and take time to study it, the complexity is amazing.
“Since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20
Recreational activities that take us outside into God’s creation can really revitalise us. Some recreation pursuits like hunting or fishing also hold enormous appeal for many men as we compete against creatures in a hunt.
There is something about pausing when you are in a beautiful place and talking with God through prayer that causes revelation and prophetic words to come easily. That happens for me, even walking in regenerating bush on the fringe of my suburb.
Kim White says, “We must find how God speaks to us and gives us His heavenly downloads. I lie on my bed with worship music and five minutes later I fall asleep, but as soon as I put on my walking gear and start walking, God downloads visions and ideas. Same happens when I'm out in my kayak paddling - God speaks. I’m not sure if it’s just my quiet place or if, as we men get involved in action outdoor stuff, it’s just easier for God to talk to us.”
Andrew had a divine encounter while caving with a group. They paused and the leader said to turn off their lights and to try and maintain silence for 60 seconds. With no light inside the cave it was profoundly black, pitch black. It affected Andrew’s senses and even though he knew that the person next to him was only two metres away, he felt so isolated and so alone. But then he felt the overwhelming presence of God as the verse came to mind, “Be still and know that I am God”.
With gratitude
John Subritzky
Discussion questions: What do you see in the natural environment that demonstrates God’s power? How does being in God’s creation help you connect with God?
You are invited to join us on Friday morning to discuss this topic in the Men’s Zoom Group. See Zoom details below. You can also use today’s topic as a discussion starter in your own men’s group.