God's Providence and Bicycles

Once again, God has proven His providential nature. OK, so maybe you'll think I'm stretching this a bit, but I do believe that God deals quite providentially with His people in all things great and small. Even something as insignificant as the purchase of a new bicycle. Which is what this post is really about, and I just wanted to make it seem sort of spiritual. But on with the story.

So we traveled to Omaha yesterday morning to take son Mike to the airport for his flight to Tel Aviv (see previous post for the rest of that story). And so we decide to do a little bit of shopping while in the city, as any small-towners like us would. Tammie wants to do some looking around at the massive Nebraska Furniture Mart (the only furniture store I can think of that has a "campus"), so we drive there. And I just happen to spot a Trek bike shop right across the street, that I didn't even know was there before. So I drop the wife off at NFM and son Matt and I head for the Trek store to look around. After all, I am in the market for a new road bike, maybe I can get some ideas or find a good sale.

And just about the first bike I spot is a Lemond Buenos Aires. It's sitting on the end of the rack, gleaming in it's metallic red and white finish highlighted by the fine sculpting of the full carbon fiber frame, the Shimano Ultegra and 105 components sparkling like diamonds. Sweet ride, thinks I, but far out of my price range. But hey, it looks like it's my size, so let's take a peek for fun. Yep, original price is $2419.99. Ouch. But wait, there's a sale tag. Seems that the Trek store is having a special progressive sale this weekend, where each of the four days of the sale the price goes down. A lot. The Saturday price was $1399. A real bargain. But the Sunday price, if the bike is still there on Sunday, goes to $1099. Zikes! Now we're talking my price range, for a bike that is incredible. So I ask the guy and he says yeah, we open at 11:00 on Sundays so give us a call right away and if it's still here we'll hold it for you.

So this morning, as we're walking out of church after early morning worship and Sunday school class, I look at my watch and the time is - exactly 11:00. So I grab my phone and call. Yep, they still have it. Sure, they'll put my name on it as long as I come pick it up today. Sweet! So I and the lovely wife make another quick trip to Omaha this afternoon to make the deal of a lifetime. And the guy tells me that they were wondering who would get it first, since there were at least four people interested in it. So there you go. The providence of God, lived out in graciously giving me a fantastic bike that I could never have afforded otherwise.

Alright, if you aren't into bicycling I'm sure all this seems just weird to you. That's OK. Just remember that God's sovereign providence and grace is not limited to any one category that we might think. He can glorify Himself by providing something as mundane as a great deal on a bike. And I am doing my part in the whole transaction, by "proclaiming the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Soli Deo Gloria.

Our Firstborn in Jerusalem

Today is the day that our oldest son Mike leaves for his semester studying at The Master's College Israel Bible Exchange (IBEX) program in Jerusalem. We'll be taking him to Omaha to board a flight. He should arrive there sometime tomorrow morning (our time) after a long flight, along with about 40 other TMC students. I think this will be a life-changing three and a half months for Mike, and I know he's very excited about the whole adventure. I can't wait to hear what he has to say about the experience and how God uses it to shape him and further prepare him for whatever future ministry waits him.

To keep all of us back here up to date on what's going on, Mike has set up a blog, A Gentile in Jerusalem, that he intends to update frequently with pictures and thoughts. Be sure to visit and maybe even give some words of encouragement and wisdom. And of course, your prayers for Mike's well-being and safe return are appreciated as well. You can also keep up to date with the whole IBEX experience at their website. You'll no doubt see some pictures and videos of Mike there as well.

A few people have asked us if we are fearful as Mike heads for the middle east. Actually, neither Tammie nor I really are. With Mike having been living in the LA area for the past two years attending TMC, and making car trips half way across the continent between here and there, I think traveling to and living in Jerusalem will be at least as safe. And of course, we're trusting in the God who is calling Mike to pursue ministry to providentially oversee the whole adventure. So in reality we're excited with Mike about this once in a lifetime opportunity. And for my part, maybe even a bit envious.

So Yahweh-speed, Micha-el as you travel to the land of Zion and explore more deeply the person and work of Yeshua the Messiah.