Mr. Chandler 2004 Bike Trip
My thoughts.
More often than we would like, God places adversity in our way to draw us nearer to Him. That adversity can come in many different forms, such as financial, mental, and physical. I'd like to believe then that while the bikers faced many physical challenges on this trip, not the least of which was weather, that God was in fact still in control, drawing us closer to Him, and....to each other.
It's difficult to think when adversity hits us that God is still in control. But completely understanding God's ways will only be achieved when we meet Him in heaven. We must have the faith that He is acting not necessarily in our best interest, but His.
FCA is a powerful force because it looks not to serve ourselves, but rather God. One of the ways in which this is evidenced is through bike trips. Deliberately putting oneself in challenging situations, whether it be hills to climb, bone chilling weather to navigate, or giving your testimony through words, example, or T-shirts; these are the kinds of servitude God puts to good use and that ultimately glorify Him.
Over the last four years I've witnessed so much growth spiritually in all of you. Continue to keep yourselves surrounded by believers, and believe that in all circumstances, God truly is in control of your lives.
Mr. Chandler