Day 3: A Challenging 100 Miles

Day 3 - Off for another 100 miles!

Tony posted this comment Thursday evening:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2

Scott Mabee has been leading our morning devotionals this week.  He has been taking us deeper into Micah 6:8, which has been a fantastic study.  This morning we took a pause in that study, and he took us in another direction.  We discussed endurance.  We discussed Hebrews 12.  Specifically, God’s call for us to run with endurance the race that is set before us.  He keyed us in on verse two, “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” 

He began by asking the question, “Why would Jesus do that?”   Our  discussion focused on two main areas.  First, we talked about the awesomeness of a God, who needs nothing, yet desires to have a relationship with us.  In other words, He desires to draw us to Himself.  Secondly, we discussed His desire to pull us out of something, namely our sin and the consequences that result from it.  When Jesus hung on the cross, He had both of those things in mind for each of us.   

In some small measure that is what this Micah 6:8 ride is all about.  We, all of us, are really just committing ourselves to entering into a relationship with and to attempt to pull people out of situations and circumstances that are less than what God would have for them.  So today as we went out, we did so with the knowledge that there were many inside and outside of our church family that were giving of themselves to support this cause, that every time we turned the crank on our bike it was going to help someone less fortunate than us to feel, in a very tangible way, the blessing of God in their lives.

Today was the most challenging day yet.  Westerville to Wooster.  102 miles in temperatures ranging from the high-80’s to low-90’s!  There were no crashes today (praise the Lord), but we had at least two riders that were out of gas 60 miles into the ride.  In addition, the last fifteen miles was probably the most challenging riding we’ve dealt with all week.  There were several large climbs, with tons of truck traffic on road, and less than desirable bike lanes.  With all that said, we finished.  We did so, knowing that there were many back home praying for us, but also because we were remembering why we were doing it.

Thank you for supporting this initiative for our local outreach partners.  The generosity that you have shown is amazing and inspiring.  Thank you also for your continued prayers for our safety.

In Christ’s love,

Tony

Click here if you would like to learn more about the Micah 6:8 Challenge or make a pledge to support any of the great justice and mercy ministries the team is riding to support.

Prayer Request:  Please keep the team in prayer - for safety and the opportunity to be a great witness to those they meet along the way on their 400-mile journey back to Hudson Ohio.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
   And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
   and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 NIV

The last stop for the day before a good
night's rest.

Each Day Starts with Devotions.