What a beautiful day in sunny Arizona and I guess it is only going to get warmer the rest of the week. It is mid to high 70's and sunshine galore. Of course it is just as nice in Ohio. I started the day on the bike a little leg weary but somewhere along the way, the Lord, my nutrition, desire or will, all kicked in and I ended with a great average speed. Today I went 43.5 miles in 2 hours and 20 minutes for an average of 18.5mph. I can't believe it. To me it just shows how good God is. When I was struggling at first many things; let's call them doubts entered my mind. How often do we allow those things to creep into our minds. Something I have noticed about doubts. They want to own us and if they can't take it to that extreme, they want to at least dictate our actions. I was not feeling too leg strong when I first got on the bike, so the doubts went on the ride with me. They don't mind tagging along. But this morning, by God's grace they got shoved aside and the ride ended up great. If I did not have many other things to do today I was feeling like I could have gone much further. I have always been amazed at Matthew 14 when Jesus invites Peter to walk on water with Him. Peter is the only one who does and then forgets to keep his eyes focused on the Lord. Afterwards, when Peter and Jesus are getting into the boat, Jesus looks at him and asks a question, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" He actually , in asking the question answers it. The reason we doubt in that we have little faith. But we do not have to live our lives with doubt. Yet that is the one of the main arrows Satan has in his quiver against us. And he is willing to shoot it every chance he gets. And yes, all too often it hits the target. The other thing that came to mind this morning is that doubt tends to breed more doubt. In other words Satan hits us with more than one arrow if he can. But the opposite of doubt is faith. See, the issue is where do we put our faith? Many times in our own abilities, or capabilities, in our own thinking or even in our own wallet. None of those things has a chance against Satan's arrows of doubt. So the answer is in Faith; faith in the only one who can bring victory against such a foe. How is your faith doing? This morning, I had some doubts about the ride was going to go. "O me of little faith!" But because of what God did to give a great ride, it bolsters my faith in the One who is in control. Can He supply the funds NLM needs to purchase the lodge in Canada. Which way will I go, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" or "He is able to do far more abundantly than I could ever ask or think."
Today's ride took us through the towns of Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, and Tolleson. We are just south of Phoenix on the north side of Tempe hoping to be well east of the greater Phoenix area by day's end tomorrow. All of these towns are well over 50,000 people each. Nothing against any of you, but will be looking forward to getting out of the city areas. Talk to you tomorrow!
From Juliana: Watch out for tumbleweeds!
ReplyDeletePA, ^5 on the average mph!!! See on the calendar of events for Tempe there is going to be a Swing Band Fest on 4/5 at a place called Noah's. Guess youre going to miss it, but then again, I think that Noah's is probably not of the same reputation as the famous ark builder. Now there is a story where doubt could creep in. Mike says be careful of the temper who will whisper in your ear to throw the bike in the sag wagon for a quick exit out of town. Praying for you. :)