Looking back
I was really uncertain going into this ride. Even when I had the gear I felt ill-equipped to go on the journey. Especially since it started so ominously in the dark.
Released my grip
As I gradually released my white-knuckle grip on the handle bars and looked around at the beautiful scenery in the distance, I increasingly enjoyed the ride. The changes were slow and in some cases I experienced a few setbacks as I came across elements with which I was unfamiliar, like the first trestle high above the ground or the second tunnel which brought back all the apprehension of the first one.
In faith
As the ride progressed, the stretches through the darkness became shorter. I was better equipped and prepared to travel through a tunnel. I knew when to turn my light on as I approached one, and rode through in faith that the light at the other end was coming.
More comfortable
I grew more and more comfortable with each trestle that I encountered. Eventually I experienced the joy of recognizing bridges in the distance as well as making sense of the ones behind me and how they fit into the overall view.
Simply the path
And the rocky path which compounded how awkward I felt when I started out on this ride became an after-thought, simply the path on which I traveled.
I think the greatest realization for me was how this awkward bike ride coincided so well to starting a journey through the Bible.
Reading the Bible
Any initial attempts at reading the Bible all the way through– or let’s face it, any significant portion of Scripture – led to clumsy steps and abandoned attempts.
Taking this journey from start to finish – on the bike and through the Bible – gave me a confidence to keep moving forward.
Brought sweet surprises
Both the bike ride and the Bible brought sweet surprises.
Surprises I would have never seen had I not begun this journey.
Rewards of reading
The rewards of reading the Bible included a deeper understanding of the significance and connection to multiple places in Scripture. I saw how the Old Testament connected to the New Testament and how Jesus connected it all together.
My prayer is that you would experience that too. By starting, even if it feels awkward, even if you aren’t sure what you’re doing, may you find the courage and motivation to begin.
As you reflect on this journey, where are you stuck? What questions do you have?
Is this your first glimpse at the ride? Here’s a starting point:
A bike and the Bible – an adventure – intro – part 1
Want to begin with the Old Testament? Start here:
A bike and the Bible – long dark tunnel – part 7
Want to skip straight to the end?
A bike and the Bible – Revelation – part 16
Know someone who would find this helpful? Feel free to pass it along.