Yesterday’s quote described fear as a distraction when we step out in faith.
You know that 1500-mile ride, the one I’m so fond of talking about now that it’s done? It’s difficult to explain the fear in the weeks leading up to blastoff day.
Sponsors were on board. The first speaking engagement was set. I was announcing my excitement.
I was committed, but deep down – fear screamed at me.
Training stopped in the spring because of a health issue – I couldn’t even get on my bike until July 1 (blastoff day – September 11). The longest ride I’d ever done was 30 miles.
To complete this ride, I needed to average about 40 miles per day, 5 days per week, for 8 weeks.
Fear assured me I would fail.
I tried finding routes in advance. I contacted bike shops, scoured the Internet (which wasn’t quite so robust 16 years ago) – when we started day one at Lake Itasca, the only route I knew was the first day.
Fear laughed at me. I was certain I’d never find suitable routes.
Becky and I had no clue what we were doing. Neither of us knew what would be needed for Becky to support me during 8 weeks of riding.
Fear screamed at me – this was impossible!
Fear also convinced me I couldn’t share this apprehension with anyone. I made such a big deal about this God-inspired dream – I was afraid to project anything but confidence and certainty.
I’d like to tell you I courageously faced down the fear. Not so much.
As we drove to Minnesota, fear screamed at me. Even when we began, on that picture-perfect fall day, part of me worried about the next day’s route.
Probably a few days into the ride, I finally took to heart Jesus’ words:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
One day at a time, God provided.
When has fear screamed at you when you stepped out in faith?