My old friend, and fellow Christian brother, ex-professional hit man, Larry Peoples told me once, that among hit men and others in organized crime, there was an unwritten rule-you never messed with a man of God because something bad would happen to you. And after killing 28 for profit, and 8 for revenge before he got saved, I would take it on good authority he knows of what he speaks. Sadly, those in the world don't have the benefits of his wisdom in this area. For the third time in my life, I have been handed a seemingly adverse decision, based on lies, rumors, gossip, and hate. But God in His infinite wisdom, as He did in the other two instances, has turned it to joy. I had a man start rumors about me once where I worked, he accused me of the things I had caught him doing. It was only after I went on to far better things in my life, did I get word that the owner of the company realized he had made a mistake, and was sorry for it-as this other person cost him not only money, but reputation as well. There is a price to pay for believing a lie.
Paul writes that our lives are an endurance race, not a sprint-and if you know me you can tell I wouldn't make much of a sprinter, I tell people I am built for speed-slow! And in an endurance race, you must overcome obstacles, and persevere, realizing that as important as a day is, when you look at it in an overall life, it isn't quite as dramatic. And I learned from off road racing that going fast is not the best way to win-but going less slow, and getting the most out of each section that it has to offer.
And as a long distance touring rider, I also get a perspective into this. It takes more than a soft bottom and smooth bike to ride long distances-it takes a heart to persevere. A lot of long distance riding is mental-and if you want to skew your chances of enjoying it, you ride with someone who doesn't have the heart you do to do it. Works in ministry, too. That is why you follow God, and not an organization or a philosophy. Be true to the calling, the vision God gave you, and He will fulfill it. He completes all good works., rescuing you from the box that other well meaning people put you in. For you can only ride as fast as the slowest rider. And you don't lead from the rear-but from the front. And speed doesn't always kill, but it can cause suffering. And God knows this, as do many long term Christians-they have endured the battles, and the controversies, and continue to live for God-understanding that it is the destination that we are looking forward to, and not making the ride our main focus.
And that is why so many of us follow the course God has laid out for us, and not someone else's trip plans. Admitted there are times of loneliness, and wondering where God is-the loneliness of the long distance rider is a good analogy to a seasoned saint, for growing in God takes trust-faith the Bible calls it, and the best definition I ever heard for faith was trusting God when there is no evidence of Him.
If you know the course you are on is of God, stick with it. Do not let other well meaning people deter you from it. Keep your eyes on the cross-not at the situation. And keep trusting God.
And keep an eye on your shadow. If it is in back of you, then you are facing God. But if there is no shadow, you are in the center of His light, living in the spirit, and there is no shadow at all. Riding, living in His spirit. Realizing that you may be on the right road, but not following the right direction. Seek God today, and watch as your a bad situation, at least for now-brings out the best for you in the long run.
God knows what's best! Do you trust Him? Follow Him, staying in the light. Oh, and those who seek to rob you of your joy- remember God protects His kids.
Satan accuses, God builds up. Enjoy the ride-I encourage you heartily-in Christ Jesus, of course.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
