Hitting the Wall

I learned some important facts about myself, while I was up in northern Michigan biking. That week, I biked 720 miles in one week but it didn't happen without paying a price. Let me explain.
On the fourth day out, I was poised to do another 100+ miles. I was moving along well for the first 30-40 miles and then I started to slow down. I can't explain it but it was like the wind was taken out of my sails. I was consulting the road map frequently to see where I was and each time I got back on the saddle, I wished I didn't have to go any further. Finally at about 1:00 PM, I was back at our friend's home where I was spending the week. I prepared some lunch, sat on the couch and was really feeling sorry for myself. I had hit the wall. I decided to call it quits for the day and see what would happen the next. I was already dealing with my disappointment when I decided to turn on the radio. Midday Connection from Moody Radio was playing. This is normally considered a woman's program but I was riveted by the speaker. She talked about the fact that after she had her first baby, a boy, eight years earlier, she and her husband decided to try for another baby. Shortly after the baby girl was born, she noticed something wasn't quite right. The doctor confirmed that the baby was missing a critical chromosome and would not live long. The tiny infant had Zellweger's Syndrome, a rare metabolic disorder. The baby had serious problems and lived for 199 days. Upon the doctor's recommendation, both she and her husband had surgical procedures to prevent such a thing from happening again. Although she didn't say it, I am assuming that she had her tubes tied and he had a vasectomy. But a year and half later, she became pregnant again and gave birth to a baby boy with the same disease. This baby lived some 183 days and died.
After listening to this highly emotional broadcast I looked at myself and said, "You wimp! Get out there and finish that ride!" I got back on my bike, asked the Lord for the emotional and physical strength and stamina and had the greatest 45 mile bike ride I've ever had!
I'm almost certain that I'll be saying that to myself a few times this fall.
With God there are no coincidences. With God there are no miracles. God is always at work. God is always communicating. Am I listening? Do I recognize His voice, His sovereignty? God allowed that specific broadcast to be playing at THAT time when I needed it the most. Coincidence? Not likely. Lord, forgive me for being such a cry baby. Help me to recognize the power you give and to use it for your glory.

What is this thing called a "road bike" anyway? Answer: A tool from the Lord to exercise the physical bodies we've been given, but more importantly, a tool that will draw people to ask the kinds of questions that the Lord has given us marvelous answers to. Recently, my bike was hanging in a bicycle cradle in a ferry and as I was disembarking, several people had gathered around the bike taking a closer look at it. Instantly, I was able to tell them about the cross country trip and how the bike would be used to bring glory to God. It's only a tool but a very special one when used for His purposes.
At one of the lighthouses I visited last week in northern Michigan, I asked an elderly couple if they would take my picture in front of the sign denoting the lighthouse's history. (See my blogspot http://www.edwardspeyers.blogspot.com/). When they had finished they asked me, "Weren't you in the newspaper a couple of weeks ago?" They were from a neighboring town and had seen the article. They, along with another couple, were vacationing up north and promised to pray for me. Then a third couple came up and said they had overheard our conversation and also promised to pray for me and the group as we make our way across the USA. You just never know where your words will end up, so, as the Scriptures say, let your words be sweet. Psalm 119:103.

Preparation Phase

Doug and Ed are training hard these days, getting ready for the big ride in September. Their sponsoring organization, WHEEL POWER Christian Cyclists, based out of Lynchburg, VA, (click on link below) is also preparing its staff for the 6-week long adventure. Doug and Ed would especially appreciate your prayers for this phase as the training is coming to an end and the actual cross-country ride looms large in their minds. Pray for strength, encouragement, and stamina.They will be reporting by way of this blog on a regular basis, and especially so as the ride begins on Sept. 19. Check back frequently for the latest news and pictures.