Adventure Awaits
Since I moved to California, I spend a lot of time in my car. This has started my love affair with Podcasts. I always learn interesting facts and hear inspiring stories. I wanted to share one of these stories with you because I think it will encourage you as it did me!
The host of the Podcast was speaking with a gentleman named Johnathan who had quite an amazing and almost unfathomable experience at the age of 10. Let me set the scene: It was the 1970’s and he was living in New York. One day, his father approached him with an idea. He convinced him to ride his bike to his Uncle’s house in Newport…VERMONT! It was 240 miles from his house. Filled with belief, he agreed to the challenge. He and his best friend began constructing their plan. They utilized maps to determine their route and identified the supplies they would need. About a week before they would be leaving, Johnathan’s parents had agreed to host two brothers for a month. Since these guys were going to be at their house the became a part of adventure by default.
The day finally came and they were off. Johnathan’s father set up a hotel room for them and at the end of the night, they crashed. Day one was complete. Day two it rained. They experienced flat tires. It was a tough day. Day three they were exhausted. They had already peddled 160 miles with 80 more to go. They wanted to quit but they didn’t. They just kept going. When he knocked on his uncle’s door, surprise was plastered on his Uncle’s face. He did not think they were going to make it! To commemorate the ride, they went to the local newspaper to share their story. An article was written and photos were taken. It was sealed in history.
As I listened to the story, I knew God had a message to get across to me. This is what He showed me:
Johnathan’s father encouraged him to do something that seemed impossible! It was outlandish, to say the least. Doesn’t it feel that way with God sometimes? He gives us a glimpse into part of His plan for our lives and it is so grand we question if we can actually do it! Johnathan’s father instilled such a sense of belief in him that he went after the challenge with gusto. How much more should we believe our Heavenly Father and pursue the things He has called us to do.
Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Mark 9:23
Another take away was from the actual journey. Johnathan shared the challenges he experienced along the way but he didn’t quit. I wonder if he would have taken the trip by himself if he would have made it to his uncle’s house. I venture to say probably not. I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the people around me who help me along the way.
As the podcast continued, Johnathan explained how he was changed after the trip. There was a new level of confidence in him that could not be shaken. He would try things that seemed out of reach and he excelled. The words of his Father and the successful completion of the trip caused something to be birthed inside of him.
This story was a reminder for me of how important it is to trust God and take Him at His word. It may feel like it is out of reach but He said it is possible if we believe. What have you stopped believing God for? Ask Him to help you with your unbelief. An adventure of a lifetime awaits!
Until Next Time,
Live Audaciously!
Kay Naomi