It was the third day of our 2005 Torches Across America ride and like the
song said, “I was feeling about half past dead.” And just needed some place to
rest my head. We had ridden over 1200 miles in three days, with nights in
Kingman, Gallup, and now Amarillo. Staying at the Holiday Inn I had stayed in
30 years earlier when I moved west. We had had a full day, escorted by the NM
State Police, cool guys,a huge ceremony in Albuquerque, and then rain. Hot and
tired, we even passed on the trip the the Big Texan, where if you can eat and
keep down a 72 oz. steak in an hour it is free. We had lost two hours due to
time zones, and at 930 pm local time, I was just getting into bed, boots off,
when the phone rang. We were late getting to a dinner celebration for us, and
even though it was only a half mile away, the ride seemed like 100. But after
all the big time hoopla, tonight was going to be special, it just had to
be.
Before entering Amarillo, a man was standing on an overpass waving a huge
American flag, we were used to this, but this one seemed more special. We were
later to find out it was him and his group that was sponsoring the food, of
which there was plenty, and being starved and exhausted, I dove in. But there
was something unique abut this group, definitely not the more sophisticated ones
we had become used to, these guys were servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we
watched the local Boozefighters attend to us, we met a couple whose son had died
in Afghanistan, and had made the national news. They driven hundreds of miles
to be there, after George Bush 43 had made a surprise visit to them, to console
them in their loss. A much different side of the man than the media portrayed,
and this 911 ride to honor those lost and first responders, became more
personal. Taking it from the headlines to the home. No bitterness here, their
son had died defending his country, doing his job as a soldier. And knowing
Jesus, they knew where he was that night and forever. But it got
better....
A group approached us wanting to show off its ministry to the homeless.
Flying under the radar and not getting attention, they had built an altar under
a bridge for the homeless to worship. They not only shared the gospel, they
lived it with them. No budget, just what God provided, and lives were being
changed. Salvations, healings, and lives changed by Jesus, and we got to see
and hear about it first hand. I was even more exhausted after going back to bed
that night, but blessed beyond words. Here in Amarillo, in a church, in a
ghetto neighborhood, we saw the gospel come alive, where it had become personal,
and where Jesus was honored. Not by words so much as it was by their
actions.....a lesson I will never forget.
So many times we run to the church, a ministry, or a rich person when we
need help. When Jesus and his disciples were faced with feeding 5000, and
didn’t know what to do, they turned to Jesus and watched as he fed them all, two
fish and five loaves for 5000. He simply said “you give them something to eat,”
a story repeated in all four gospels, they may have been perplexed, but knew
where and who to turn to. A lesson learned first hand in Amarillo, as bikers,
Christians, grieving parents, and others came together. We all have varying
needs, and many times don’t know what they are. That night I needed a touch
from God, I was tired, he wasn’t. In a situation where many hands made light
work, we saw God honored, and him lifted up in a very humbling and loving way.
Like the disciples faced with feeding a multitude, God had it all worked out
already. A couple who had lost a son being consoled by a surprise visit from
the President, yet not wanting to miss the night, a motorcycle club staying out
late to serve us, and a ministry to the homeless, telling of the great things
God was doing in changing lives. None of us was prepared for that night, but it
still sticks with me 15 years later. When the abilities of others to meet our
needs fail, a hug, kind words, a meal, and some fellowship brought us back to
life. Listening to a testimony, sharing food, and hugs and smiles sometimes are
the miracle we need, but overlook. In all things give it to Jesus and see what
he can do. When our needs are exceeded by those who need help, when we get up
when tired and want to sleep, we can see a side of Jesus we otherwise would have
missed. And the blessings of others being blessed by serving us. It may not be
a 5000 meal dilemma, but a need is a need, and Jesus is adequate in all
situations.
The weight that night was not one of a physical sleep, but of a spiritual
sleep that needed to be awakened. Jesus took the load off that night, and when
we placed it all on him, he came through. When we put it all on him, he comes
through. He knows our needs, and the next day we were thoroughly refreshed and
blessed. He sees us needing care and lets others be blessed by meeting that
need. His words to remember, “they need not go away.” Don’t miss any chance to
show God’s love, and why we pray before every meal. Because we know from whom
it came, and we are thankful.
Cast your cares on him for he careth for you. Andrew only had a meager
means, but in the hands of a loving God, all left filled, with leftovers for
tomorrow. We will get hungry tomorrow again, and God will provide, just a
doggie bag to remind us, and to share with others. God opened our eyes that
night for what was to come, and our hearts. A load that Jesus took for
free...
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com