For the avid hunter, there are few things that provide more fulfillment and excitement than the “thrill” of the hunt. For the turkey hunter, having that big gobbler respond to your call and come strutting into shotgun range is an awesome experience. For the bowhunter, few things get the adrenaline flowing more than when that buck of a lifetime steps within twenty yards of your stand. For the duck hunter, the thrill is when those mallards make their final pass to catch the north wind just before pitching into the decoys. And, nothing gets the heart pounding like having that coyote charge toward your distress calls.
It is certain that each of these events provides a huge sense of excitement, fulfillment, and even personal victory for the hunter. The avid hunter will return to the field day after day in the pursuit of the “thrill” of the hunt. There is no argument that the sport of hunting is exciting, but “the hunt” provides only temporary fulfillment. There is much more to life than hunting. So, what are you really hunting for?
People are continually searching and longing for happiness. This may be you. You might be trying to find fulfillment with things like money, nice houses, big trucks, camouflaged boats, sex outside of marriage, alcohol, or yes, even hunting. These interests give only temporary happiness, and trying to find fulfillment through them is a never-ending pursuit.
The Bible says in Colossians 2:10, “…we are complete in Him, which is the head of principality and power.” You see, without a relationship with Jesus Christ, you are incomplete; there is emptiness in your life. You can try to fill this void in your life with many things, but only Jesus Christ can provide real, everlasting fulfillment. You will never be truly at peace until He is in your life. Jesus Christ is what you are really “hunting” for!
The fulfillment, peace, and joy that you are searching for can only be found in God’s forgiveness. If you want Jesus Christ to fill this emptiness in your life, you must first realize you have sinned, and this sin separates you from God. Have you ever told a lie, taken God’s name in vain, stolen, lusted after a member of the opposite sex? If so, then you are a sinner, and you are in desperate need of God’s salvation. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death…” As a result of our sin we deserve to die a spiritual death, which means to spend eternity in Hell, being separated from God. Hell is the ultimate consequence of our sin. Next, you must repent, turn completely away from your sin and receive God’s forgiveness which is the only solution to discovering true peace and fulfillment.
The second part of this verse says, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. By dying on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins so that you and I would not have to. The gift of eternal life in Heaven is free to you when you are willing to repent of your sin, receive Him into your life by faith, and let Him be Lord (the one in charge) of your life. Do not simply give Jesus a try because you have tried everything else and found only emptiness, but give Him complete control of your life.