The truth about the Bible is that it is truth. And when it tells us we walk by faith, not by sight-that is just what it means. If faith is the substance of things believed, but not seen, then it takes that faith to follow something we can't see, or touch, or smell, or taste-but that we know is there. And that something is really a someone. We know it is there because of the Holy Spirit-which operates in our life way beyond any sense or feelings we may ever have. He lives deep within our spirit to guide us, where it is protected, while He protects us. It takes obedience on our part, the walking part. Or in this instance, the riding part. For sometimes, we also ride by faith...
The best definition I have ever heard for faith is trusting God when there is no evidence of Him. It is that waiting time between asking and receiving in prayer that we must endure. The time when we must persevere, that we must keep going, when we hope He is there, but where? And without patience we will often accept an answer not of God, nor from Him. Just to get it over, when God has the situation in control the whole time. It is times like this that we must say to ourselves that nothing will keep me leaving the course you have laid before me. A time when we carry on, not knowing what lies ahead, just knowing God is with us. By faith, we ride...
If you have never ridden the Cumberland Gap in Maryland, it is beautiful. I had ridden it on old US 40, with twists and turns, although the road is great, the views are actually better on I-68, which after coming off the mountain turns into a two lane road-still I-68, and at one time still had a stop light. But the views from the top are awesome, and like the Smokies in Tennessee, can be very foggy. Even on a sunny day. It was a Monday, and on a ride that would take me to Jersey, from San Diego in less than 70 hours. As I approached them from the west, I had started the day in rain in Lexington, Kentucky, removed the rain suit in West Virginia, then riding I-79-what a road! Then stopped to put on my winter jacket before entering the fog, and the cold of I-68. Now I had ridden in fog before, and been in total white outs in blizzards. I had lived in real snow, not this wimpy So Cal stuff. Times and places where you lost all idea of where you were, but being in a car felt safe in your cage, at least the radio told of life, and you could see the dash. But as I entered the fog, and it got wet, and cold, the last thing I remember was a semi in the right lane just ahead of me, no vehicles in my lane ahead, and dropping from 70mph to about 45 mph. I say about 45 mph because I could not see the gauges, not even the light from them. My hands, less than 18" from my eyes were not visible. I was riding blind! And as we continued up the grade, I prayed. I had no idea where I was, where I was going, or where the semi was. I only hoped that he stayed in his lane, that no one was ahead, and that no one stopped or was going slower-I would have truly blindsided them! I hoped God had my back too. And for about 45 seconds, I kept a death grip on the bars, and also on God. I had never been so scared, or had a feeling of helplessness before. I was totally dependent on God, no money, skills, leathers, or luck was to save me now. ONLY GOD! So I kept praying-help! Help! Guide me! And He did. I just stayed in my lane, at a constant speed, and as I started to descend the hill-the fog broke! And off to my right, just where he was when we entered the fog, was the semi. And now I could see his flashers, and he waved as I went by. I was soaked, cold, a bit shaken-not stirred, but alive! God had taken me through the darkest time ever riding-a whiteout, and all I could do was thank Him. Even in the curves, He guided me. I was as wet inside as I was outside. All my skills and experience were useless that day-it took the love of God, and being obedient to Him while trusting, that He would guide my steps just like He promises. That hope and a future was only 45 seconds away-I just didn't know it at the time. Talk about eternity-I had aged in that short time! And I soon pulled over and took off my jacket, and as the truck sped I by was thankful again. What made Him stay in his lane? Was he afraid too? Did He trust God, or did it even matter, since God was protecting me? Us? Did God just throw in his protection as part of the deal? The answer is I don't know-but by faith I have to say a resounding YES!
God's promises are yea and amen. He is with you in the fog, just like Jesus is in your boat in the storm. He was there to grab Peter when he fell in the water, just reaching out and grabbing him. He provided a tree for Jonah on a hot day. He gave Gideon and his small, but fat non-fighting army a victory despite all odds. He even gave Samson one final victory, even after Samson had disobeyed God and was blind. In all cases, GOD never left them, or me. Or us. And He still hangs onto our collars, or handlebars today-many times when we don't even know it. So be encouraged as you walk in faith today. God's plan is already at work. You will win. But you will have to participate. You have to obey. Which sometimes means just hang on, be patient. Sometimes in a fog, sometimes on a clear and bright day. For God is not about situations, He is love. He is Jesus, dying for us when we still hated Him. And cursed Him right up until His death on the cross. That's love.
Trust God today. The darker or foggier, He is there. The scarier it may be-He is there. And on that cold, wet, foggy day, over Cumberland Pass He rode on a Triumph. With me. Just because He loves me. And you.
Though there be fear in the night-or fog, joy comes in the morning. Rejoice with me-about Jesus! Kicking, screaming, dragging you if He has too, or just riding with you-He will take you through the problems you face-to the other side, as promised. For we truly ride by faith, not by sight...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com