Our Father knows best: Trusting God with the big picture
My husband and I are tandem bicyclists. Yes, we ride a bicycle built for two, and on it we have many adventures. One being RAGBRAI, the annual week-long bicycle ride across our state of Iowa in July. Last year marked our seventh time together on the ride, and we enjoyed a memorable week.
But on Monday morning of the ride, we were struggling. I wanted to keep peddling down the road, but my husband wanted to stop in one of the small towns we were passing through. He needed to stretch his legs, and I didn’t. The thing is, on a tandem bicycle, we must go in the same direction. We must work together to not only keep peddling to our destination but to also stay upright. He’s in front and I’m in back, and when we’re not in sync with each other (peddling and in attitude), well, that just makes everything more difficult.
That morning, however, I wanted my way. Selfishly, I wanted to keep going to the next town for lunch. I didn’t want to stop, and sadly, I made us both miserable as we walked around the small town. But that stop ended up being a blessing that morning, because we had a conversation we needed to have before continuing our ride. That morning was a turning point for us that week.
God knew what was best for us. I did not.
Isn’t that true about life in general? Our Father always knows what’s best for us, and sometimes He guides us to do things we don’t want to do or don’t understand. Oftentimes in hindsight we see what we cannot see in the moment, and we realize God continues to bless us with what’s best for us. Even if it’s not what we think is best. God sees the big picture, and we don’t.
My attitude changed to gratefulness by the end of that stop because of the conversation we shared. As we hopped back on the bike to make our way to the next town, the sky looked bluer, the sunshine felt warmer, and the peddling was easier. Or at least they seemed so.
And you can believe, for the rest of the week I didn’t argue when my husband wanted to stop and stretch his legs. I welcomed the break to see what God might have for us at each stop.
Our Father really does know best.
Scripture for meditation
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)
Prompts for reflection and journaling
What is God asking you to do that you don’t want to do or that doesn’t make sense?
What’s one way you can trust God in your current circumstances?
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