Went on a ride through Lancaster County today with my friend Joy and her husband Drew...on their Harleys. (I have to get a motorcycle!) Sitting on the back of a bike with the wind on your body is an amazing feeling...especially when the speedometer hits 100 and you feel like you could fly! However, this doesn't last for long, since the road is full of twists and turns, and let's not forget the "road apples" [we are in Amish country after all]. You have to know when to slow down, when to speed up, when to begin turning and when to pull out of the turn. A slight miscalculation could be life changing. You could take a corner wrong and slide out of control. Or a large truck could have an unsecured load that the wind blows all over the front of your shirt and you get off the bike looking like you've been spray painted with dirt. The rider in front of you might hit one of those gifts the horses left...I wondered if this happened if we'd be covered in horse crap. So what can you do?
Well, before you even get on the bike you need to prepare:
- Safety gear - helmet, gloves, boots, riding attire - dress for the slide not the ride!
- Classes - you have to know HOW to ride - fundamental skills - from the mount to dangerous road conditions and there are road rules.
- Equipment - what bike are you going to ride and how into it are you - all in or just casual rider?
As believers we are given all we need to navigate life. The full armor of God is our safety gear: BELT OF TRUTH, BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, GOSPEL OF PEACE, SHIELD OF FAITH, HELMET OF SALVATION AND SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. The Word tells us we need to be in the fellowship of believers for spiritual growth, encouragement and accountability...this is where we learn the fundamental skills to live Godly lives. We are equipped with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit - are you immersed in the Word or does it just a casual reader?
The road to an amazing ride with God can be wide open with smooth sailing and we pick up speed. Sometimes we forget that we must be careful because there are always winding roads [where satan lurks] just waiting to catch you off guard. Don't be fooled...he's there waiting until you're vulnerable. He can take you out of God's will as quickly as you can lose control of your Harley on a curve...just one error in judgment and you're down.
Where are you in the ride of life? On the straight open road or have you hit a curve unprepared? I know I've tried to navigate on my own at times and it doesn't work. It's never too late. Never stop trying to find your way back into God's will...the Word is there and He is waiting for you.
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. " Ephesians 6:11-12
© 2009 Barb Weatherwax
Thrilled to have met you, Barb! Moved by your post, as well as Sunday's event! So pleased that Randy and Emily have you and the rest of your church community guiding them... Hope to stay in touch...and see you again real soon! P.S. - I am in touch with Joy LaVenice via email & FB!
Posted by: Ray Bowers | September 15, 2009 at 07:29 AM