For those who read my post last month, I was preparing for ACL replacement, and I was expectant of how God would show up. Here we are, in the weeks following my surgery, and I’m sitting in my new normal with time on my hands as many of the activities I enjoy most have been stripped from me: running, walking, golfing, and even window shopping. I was told to expect this, and that it would last for three to four months, but I didn’t appreciate how tired my body would be, requiring rest and naps to allow the healing process. My body is mending, and I am stuck at home.

With all the things I love “DO-ing” gone, it was the perfect time to reestablish the rhythm of intercessory prayer. Earlier this Spring, coinciding with my ski accident, I leaned into my spiritual gifting of prophecy, and the Lord had already shared some incredible dreams, so I decided this would be a great time to press into this area.

Two nights before my surgery, God gave me a vision of a spotted baby deer in our yard. It was frolicking and skipping. I thought to myself, I am excited to skip like a toddler again (remember, I’ve been hobbling on an injured knee for four and a half months at this point). As I asked God to reveal more, He prompted that He wanted my faith to be like a child’s:

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:13-15.

My Bible notes explain that we don’t need to understand all the mysteries of the universe; it should be enough to know that God loves us and provides forgiveness for our sins. As I shared the “Bambi” vision with my family, they were in awe and started asking about intercessory prayer, dreams, and visions. I explained how, in my stillness of “BE-ing”, I am able to hear clearer from God. As I explored this scripture on becoming more trusting of God’s plan, I would ask for His loving look and His gentle touch as He taught me more.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Psalm 127:1.

And He did! He showed that there are areas where my efforts have been in vain. I work hard and efficiently, but I should hand these issues over to God instead. I don’t need to know more to talk about God or the Bible, because He will be with me in each conversation. There is nothing He doesn’t want to do with me. And most important, He showed me that I need Him.

In a time when the world feels so chaotic, God is asking all of us to trust Him, to have childlike faith, not to be prepared with every answer, but to have faith that He is in control. And that eternity with Him is worth any trouble here.

He also showed me how my intercessory prayer opened my eyes to what is on His heart (not mine). And after I’ve spent time seeking Him and His Words, He reinforces it, in this case, with a fawn. Last month I wrote that my posture was expectant of God showing up, and for God to dazzle me, and He already has:

• A friend who was unexpectedly in town and “sprung me from jail” for a jeep ride and ice cream.

• A different friend who came over to keep me laughing as I was stuck on the couch.

• Another who took me on a ride in her convertible. Why? Just to enjoy some fresh air tousling my hair on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. All of which was playful, innocent, and filled my soul.

And all during this, I’ve witnessed an increasing number of entertaining fawns, far later into the season than normal. Their coats should be changing, becoming more camouflaged for the fall foliage. Yet, I know it’s not a coincidence when I see one with spots. The morning I was drafting this, I came home after errands to two fawns frolicking and skipping. What more does God have to say? 

I believe He wants me to share this story on the importance of trusting Him and using prayer. A week into my recovery, I was praying on behalf of my son about a tricky relationship issue he was tangled in. I didn’t mention my interceding until a day later, when we had a car ride alone. I asked him if he felt any divine intervention the prior day. He turned and looked at me a little funny. He was driving me and hit the steering wheel in exclamation. “Yes, I felt so blessed. It was a terrible day. There was so much stuff not going great, but I felt HIS presence. I felt HIM near me!”  I was in awe that these were my son’s words, because my specific intercessory prayer was to “Draw him near, let him feel Your presence in this hard time”. As if to reinforce it further, I joked, “I sure hope we see a deer as we drive out of the corn fields”. Within a minute, “Mom, Look!” and there was a deer, it ran from his side of the driveway to mine, not frightened and running beside us and then ahead of us, as if to say, “Just follow Me!”

Two days after the corn field drive, while on my way to physical therapy, movement caught my eye. I slowed down, and FOUR spotted fawns were running in circles, chasing each other. It is very rare to have four together. I started laughing out loud and tears flooded my eyes. It was such a joy to watch…and it was like we were in slow motion, allowing me to see it all. God was giving me examples of how simple fun and laughter can spontaneously happen anywhere.

I don’t think my situation is unique. I don’t believe any of my dreams and visions are coincidences either. They can only be from the Lord. As I’m only halfway through my recovery, I will continue to build back my physical muscles while still strengthening my spiritual ones. I will lean into the silence and listen for Him. If you are interested, join me in seeking childlike faith for yourself. Life is hard, confusing, and full of anxiety and stress. Trust God to bring you back to how He created you to be. Ask for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Read Acts 2:14-22), that is available to all, and part of why so many churches are preaching Revivals and End Times.

 ^“Then they will know that I am the Lord their God, for though I sent them into exile among the nations, I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind. I will no longer hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit on the people of Israel, declares the Sovereign Lord.” Ezekiel 39:28–29.

Lord – You are our Victory! You are our Warrior. You have already beaten the enemy. You also delight in giving us baby deer who frolic and skip. Thank You for being mighty and joyful, for providing us with fun and laughter at every turn, and allowing us to trust You, even when we can’t comprehend Your Master Plan. Amen.