There is an old story told of one man’s
disastrous day, and the unhappy ending. The man is first called into his boss’s
office late in the day, and is told he is fired for something he didn’t do. In
shock and depressed, he goes out to find his car is gone-stolen. Looking to
drown his sorrows he goes to the neighborhood bar, only to find his wallet
missing, where the spare car key had been. Borrowing some change, he takes the
bus home, only to find his wife with another man, she didn’t expect him home so
early. At this point he decides to end his life by hanging himself, but the
knots keep coming untied. In desperation he calls his best friend, and tells
him of the day’s events. And asks for help. Which the friend provides, by
explaining to him how to tie a proper slip knot. Ever have a day like this, or
friends like this, that meant well but just didn’t get it?
Last week my computer started acting up, better
yet it quit acting at all. Deciding it was time to replace it, I took it to J
and B Computers, where Jim the owner helped me out. But what was supposed to be
an overnight visit, turned into five days of no computer. And in the mean time,
life went on. The rains continued so I couldn’t ride, and with no computer,
which I consider only a tool, just like a hammer is only a hammer, and was cut
off from the outside world, and from writing. But Saturday morning arrived, and
the new computer Jim had for me wasn’t ready, my old laptop was dead, the hard
drive corrupted. It would take more time, and maybe Monday, which went into
Tuesday. But the blessings were still there, and not in the form of know
tying. He knows I am in ministry, and to help me out added another 500 bits of
memory-for free. A great blessing as you not only know how computer geeks can
be, but how much it can cost. But the storms continued. On Monday the rain
quit, and it got cold. For So Cal that is, highs in the 50’s. So I took the
Trophy back to Mick, and was going to pick up a new Scrambler from the Press
Fleet. All was well tucked in behind the huge fairing, until within a half mile
of his exit on the 91, a warning light came on, saying low voltage, no audio.
And I ended up coasting to a stop. Crank, no start. No gas maybe? But after
pushing for almost a half mile, I decided to try and start it again-and off it
went, to the gas station. Putting in a gallon just to get me the last mile, I
told Mick about it. “Of the three Trophy’s, one battery wouldn’t fully charge,
I figured it would after riding it.” Sadly 1200 miles later it wasn’t, but I
was safe. And on my way on the Scrambler.
And on it goes, without the computer, no e-mail,
so I didn’t find out until Tuesday about Larry’s funeral, 130pm on Tuesday until
then. And that Pastor Doug had e-mailed me wanting me to teach at the Dustin
Arms Ministry that night. We did connect, after his persistent phone calls, to
my “old lady',” and I was able to share that night. Tired from all the above, I
came back to find a flat tire on my car, at about 900pm. Fortunately Doug gave
me a ride home, but today, after a doctor’s appointment for Andrew, I will try
to call AAA, find a new tire, and get it towed. By the way, did I mention it
will be warm today, and I have this new bike to put miles on?
We just started Deuteronomy in our Thursday
Bible study, and the first two chapters have
been very revealing, to me. It amazes me how our loving God continues to take
care of this grumbling and complaining people He calls His own. And as Moses
relates the stories of how God rescued them fed them, and led them after 40
years to The Promised Land, I am amazed. One, because whenever the obeyed God,
they won the wars. When they didn’t, trouble followed. Just like us. But how
after all this time, and even coming face to face with God on the mountain,
Moses didn’t enter the Promised Land himself, because of disobedience. But even
more amazing is how he is found on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus! He
may have missed the Promised Land, but not the Promised One! And how often do
we look for the something we need when really it is a someone, Jesus? So be
encouraged, we may forget about God, and we won’t win every game. But He never
forgets about us. He never promised to take us around the problem, but to be
with us and take us through it, with the promise of heaven awaiting those of us
who believe. So keep your eyes on Jesus, and not the situation. He sticks with
us on the trip, when out of gas, money, battery, or direction. He never fails.
Can our faith ever be as strong as our memory?
Andrew just reminded me about his doctor’s
appointment. Oh, and can I loan him $40 till payday? He spent his last $200
fixing the truck. And we are out of milk...but I still have some checks left,
dare I open the letter from the bank? Life goes on, and on sometimes, it is
these little reminders of how much we need God in our daily lives. Seek Him
today, and for more than a knot tying lesson. Whether in the valley, on the
Mount, or wandering after the Holy Land, seek after the Promised One, and watch
as all your needs are met. Did I mention it is also tax time?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com