On Tuesday I told you a bit about my newest adventure (On The Road Again). I told you it’s a bit intimidating and exciting. I didn’t tell you that there’s been a process behind deciding to tackle this particular project, a process devoted to answering this question:
How Do I Know This Is The Right Dream?
And my definitive, absolute, straight-from-God answer is: I’M NOT SURE AT ALL.
Perhaps that sounds crazy. Certainly it’s not the deep, spiritual, answer-to-prayer sort of response I’m probably supposed to provide, but really it’s as honest as I can be.
- I can’t say for certain that riding from Cincinnati to Washington DC in July is exactly what God wants me to do.
- I don’t know that I’m specifically called to work with International Justice Mission (IJM).
- I have no clue if I’m supposed to collaborate with Aaron Smith of Venture Cycling.
But there are some things about which I do feel pretty certain.
- God has used my handcycle riding to touch others, and I believe He will continue to do that. I feel convinced that handcycling is an opportunity He’s given me.
- IJM is a worthy organization doing good work for a kingdom cause, and is associated with another organization (U-Count) that’s deeply embedded in my local church’s mission work.
- Aaron and I met during RICH’S RIDE last September and agreed that we should explore the possibility of collaborating in some way.
- My good friend Clark Osborn has floated the idea of a riding/speaking tour of his home area. This project would help make that happen, and I’ve discovered that Clark’s wife Julie is associated with IJM.
What does all of this mean? Maybe nothing, and that’s the point. I don’t think I can know for sure. Becky and I have talked about it, prayed about it, and we THINK we have a sense that it’s the right thing. So we’re moving forward with a sense of hope—confident expectation.
But I’m reluctant about making commitments for God. “Jesus told me to do this” pretty much closes off any discussion. Mostly I just don’t have that kind of certainty.
I think you do your best to discern what’s right and then you just have to begin and trust that He’ll show you what to do next and use even your misguided efforts for good.
But there’s one thing I do know for sure. If I wait for perfect timing, perfect clarity, and perfect circumstances, I’ll never begin.
That’s no way to chase a God-inspired dream.
Please leave a comment here.
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