It’s not always tailwinds, sunny, and downhill

Besides the riding adventure, much of my trip was to provide the opportunity to spend time with the Lord in prayer and in scripture. Using Psalm 1:1-3 as a guide I wanted to meditate on and memorize some verses.  One of those is James 1:2-4 (ESV)  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

So far on this trip… I’ve ridden almost 3 days in rain.  Had feet so wet and cold they were numb for hours.   Had right knee pain and a sore Achilles’ tendon.  5 flats which included changing a tire in a cold rain and ultimately required me buying tougher tires – a cost that wasn’t in my riding budget.  Weather is much colder than normal and so I spent one night camping in below freezing temps.  Not to mention snow on a mountain pass.

So as I meditate on James 1… I have asked… do I count these as joys in the midst of the trial?   Have I been joyous?   This trip has reinforced that Joy is an emotion that I can choose, because I have the Lord.  Oh yes I can endure, and many people endure trials and difficult things with or without the Lord.  God has enabled humans to endure a lot!  But Joy is a much greater thing and we need to seek it when trials are upon us.  It is the first part of our faith being fully developed and complete.  

I will have more trials on this trip.  However,  I choose to be joyful because I know that the Lord is using it for my benefit and giving me opportunities to show his love to others in the process.

Cold and rain provided the opportunity to pray and have prayers answered

Flat tires at this part of the trip identified a problem that would have been much worse without a great bike shop so handy

Knee and Achilles pain is slowing me down and giving my competitive spirit a chance to relax and take it easier.  That has allowed me to meet with folks to share and pray with them instead of going 100% the whole time.

Snow and a flat tire provided the chance to meet Piers & Stefan and develop a friendship with them.

Oh and the budget money…. Pretty sure God has me covered there somehow.  He always has.

This is just the first 8 days of riding. While I don’t seek trials, I will continue to learn how to rejoice in them because of what God has done through my previous trials. Reminds me of 1 Samuel 12:24. Oh yea that’s another verse I’m working on during the trip. Look it up. Day 8 is in the books.