(Published May 12, 2025)

Many years ago, when I first started Outdoor Truths, I wanted to be connected with some hunting and fishing companies. I felt like any association would help me grow the influence I wanted to have. I was not only able to get some sponsorships, but I actually became a pro-staff member for a few of those companies as well. Even now, I hesitate to even mention the name "pro-staff" because it involves the word "pro." And if there is any word that I should never be associated with, it's the word pro. I laugh even as I write this. But for some reason, the real pros were busy with real pro stuff, so the trophy spike killer was available. So, there I was trying to act like I knew what I was talking about at places like Bass Pro Shops and trade shows. Now don't get me wrong, I never lied about my adventures or exaggerated my accomplishments, but I did stand in a place where real pros stand and have to talk about things that real pros talk about. But I had to do it with surface level knowledge and experience. It was uncomfortable at times, and very humbling at times, but it was part of the responsibilities that came with the position. Silence and solitude were not an option. I didn't want silence or solitude, I just felt like I either had very little to offer, or that once I opened my mouth, my real status would be exposed. And this is also the dilemma for those of us who are Christians.
It stands out to me that after Jesus rose from the dead, He gave his disciples a responsibility. He said, "You will be my witnesses." But then He gave them instructions to wait. Don't do anything. Just wait. There's no doubt they were ready to tell anyone who would listen, about what they had just witnessed. They needed no impetus. They needed no charge. They needed no motivational speech. And yet the instructions were to wait. But why? Because their witness needed to be empowered. It was that important. It needed to be empowered because they were not pros. In fact, they were not even beginners. They were the first. They had nothing. They knew nothing. And without the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, their normal, simple, and even sinful lives would be exposed as having words with no transformational power. So, they waited, and then the Holy Spirit was given. And when the Holy Spirit came, it first showed up in the form of language. Each foreigner there heard the gospel in their own language, from people who otherwise couldn't speak that language. There's no doubt the first command to believers and the first purpose of the Holy Spirit was to give witness. Solitude and silence was and is not an option. I know you feel inadequate. I know your life is not the best example. I know you're not a pro. But you have the Spirit. And the Spirit takes your story and transforms it in the ears of the listeners. Jesus said, "You will be my witnesses." Not His pros. Because there are none.

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men's events for churches and associations. Stay updated on Outdoor Truths each week by subscribing at Outdoortruths.org

Gary Miller
gary@outdoortruths.org