Riding For My Life

Pedaling...Riding...Push...Push...
   I keep pushing but the wind seems to push harder.
      I can't keep my speed up.
Dark clouds ahead...the promise of more rain...
    Will I get to my half-way spot?
        Too much loose gravel to keep a steady course.

These and other thoughts swirled around my head as I rode my bike today with the threat of yet another impending storm. My ride matched my life. There is so much going on, so much that might not work out. What to do? Where to go? How to provide?

I stopped for my lunch break 7 miles into my ride and had a quick snack. The storm came just as I sat down under the overhang of a closed office building. It wasn't too bad, but steady enough to know that it would have made for an uncomfortable ride had I been caught in the rain. Yet, God had pushed me just enough to get where I needed to be. After a short break for a sandwich and an apple the rain stopped. As the sun came out for a peak I headed back to my route, taking back roads for the final 9 miles home.

The anxious thoughts soon joined me again. I didn't have control over my situation, and that bothered me. Then I saw it...

click to enlarge
It was the front end of the storm in all its beauty. Thunder heads mixed with clear sky and as many shades of blue and gray as I could imagine. God made this, and it was perfect. How could a God who was in control of such a storm not be in control of my life. Am I not more to Him than clouds? I am one of His children...

As I continued my ride another sight caught my attention, something I had never seen before...

A Cold-Air Funnel over Charleston, IL
Again I was awestruck. Man tries to capture these things through special effects in movies, but God creates them literally out of thin air.

As I sit here typing away, thinking back on my ride, listening to the thunder overhead, watching the rain pour down outside, I can't help but wonder at my amazing God. How can I doubt Him? He will guide my steps the same way He guides funnel clouds and storms. Praise Him for His sovereign hand.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Easter Sunday Singables: "Above All" (new lyrics)

Image
During these Sundays of Lent leading up to Easter I'll be featuring a different song focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. "Above All" by Michael W. Smith, released on Worship  (2001), new lyrics by Joshua Huff The new lyrics I added as a second verse to this song are also found in a modified version on the song I wrote called Justified , available on my album Enriched Affections . Why I recommend this song for worship- The reason we celebrate Easter is because of what happened on Good Friday. Without the cross and its incredible spiritual significance, Easter is just another Sunday. This song places a great emphasis on the cross and Christ's exalted place above all things. It mirrors the "emptying" passage in Philippians 2 which speaks of Christ place next to the throne of God and points us there from the cross. The melody supports these truths wonderfully and it is very singable. However, I think the song on its own doesn't go f
Read more

Sunday Singables: "You Are God Alone"

Image
"You Are God Alone (Not a God)"  by Philips, Craig, and Dean, released on Let the Worshippers Arise (2004) Why I recommend this song for worship- As we come before the Lord in worship, it is important to remember Who we are worshiping. We aren't coming before a famous singer or venerated politician. We aren't about to see our favorite sports team play. This is God we are addressing. This song reminds us of who God is and why He is worthy of our worship. It takes the focus off us and fixes our eyes on the Father. The melody honors the lyrics and lets us build on different themes emotionally and musically. This song has always been a great reminder to me of God's sovereignty and leaves me standing in awe that He could love someone like me. Changes I've Made- I haven't adjusted too much with this one. They keys posted below are both pretty singable, but I would recommend doing it in A (or G with capo 2 for guitar). Any lower and the verses get ha
Read more

Why I Believe in Infant Baptism: Opening Thoughts

Image
What images come to mind when you think of infant baptism? Is it a sacred ritual done with pomp and circumstance with robes and a gold plated dish of water? Is it a routine ceremony that is a regular part of your worship? Is it a crazy belief some of "those" people believe in, but certainly not someone serious about Bible study? Do you have images of a child being held up before the church like Simba in The Lion King? Is it just a glorified baby dedication? I think I've had all of the above mentioned thoughts at one time or another throughout my time as a Christian. I've believed the stereotypes and didn't really study it too hard on my own. But, once I did, I came to some revelatory conclusions, at least for me. I wasn't raised to believe in infant baptism. I grew up as a baptist, meaning that I believed what most baptists believe. A person professes faith in Christ first, then shows that commitment by obediently entering into the waters of baptism. From
Read more