I remember like it was yesterday, my dad running behind me yelling encouraging words, "Keep your back straight, pedal, there ya go!!!" There was such confidence with those two extra wheels on the back. I could even ride one handed with my training wheels, but the time had come where I would have to learn to ride my 'big boy' bike. So, my dad, who was (still is) one of my biggest heroes would run behind me holding onto the seat of my 'big boy' 2-wheel bike encouraging me and holding me steady as I learned to ride without the training wheels. Fortunately, he was still in the Army Reserves, so he was in good shape. I felt very confident, because I knew that even when he would let go to let me ride a ways, I could still hear his shoes hitting the ground behind me.
One day I went inside and asked my dad to take me riding (or him running) and he told me that I would have to wait because he was busy. He then said, "Why don't you go out there and give it a try yourself." So... I did... I got onto the bike and began riding BY MYSELF! It was an amazing feeling of independence and a sudden feeling of terror! I'm sure I fell a few times in the grass that day, and since that time I have had many injuries on my various bikes, predominantly due to user end stupidity.
For the last few years I have been living by faith, but with training wheels. When Steph and I launched full-time into this ministry in 2004 we resolved to depend on God completely for our financial dependence and He has every step of the way! However, at the time, Steph had just been hired as a teacher, so we had a bit of a buffer in case the ministry had a rough month financially. So we have been riding along, but with training wheels.
However, since the birth of Braelyn, Steph and I are both committed to her staying home to be a full-time mom and wife. We have sought counsel and prayed about this and know this is what the Lord is calling us to. This will not only afford Steph the opportunity to focus on the family, but will also give them greater flexibility to travel with me. We know this is what the Lord wants, but I would be lying to you if I didn't say that I had moments feeling the amazing feeling of freedom of being solely dependent on God, and moments again of sheer terror.
Jesus encourages His disciples in Matthew 6:33 in this way, "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and these things will be added to you as well" (NIV). So, the training wheels have come off, and while we feel a bit like the 6-year old who is set loose for the first time without his training wheels, wobbly handlebars and all, we still hear the voice of our Father behind us yelling, "Keep your back straight, pedal, there ya go!!!"
We share this as an invitation for you to embark on this excitingly terrifying adventure with us, that all of our faith might be increased as God continues to meet all of our needs. God is very evident in our midst right now and by His grace all of our needs are met. Fortunately, a friend of mine shared with me the autobiography of a guy named George Mueller a while back, who trusted in God for all of his needs to be met. God met ALL of this man's needs, beyond anything he could imagine. I'd encourage you to pick up his book!
So, we're off on our 'big boy' bike, trusting our Father, and enjoying the ride! We look forward to sharing with you amazing stories of God's provision!
