A few days ago I found my oldest son's first bike. It was rusty and due to the trials of time, no longer in working order. My youngest son, a 6 y/o "teenager" asked me: "Dad, can I have that bike? I've outgrown my bike and I need a new bike!" I explained to him how that was a very old bike and badly needed repair. He informed me that although it was a very old bike, it was "new to me!" He kept insisting on riding this bike and I somehow believed he was ready for the responsibility.
                      

      
I gave it my best effort and with only God's mercy and grace, was able to bring that iron pony back into ride-able shape. The eyes of my son protruded from his little face in joy and anticipation of what laid ahead! 
                      

"Dad, can I ride it out front?" he asked. I told him we would go to the park and he would be able to test drive it there. He didn't allow me to waste any time. We sped off to the park and he sprinted off the moment his tires came in contact with the pavement. This park is a small community park with a bike path winding through it. It is perfect because there is an unobstructed view to all areas.             

I could see the joyful look on his face every time he zoomed by me. He didn't understand why he was able to go so much faster with this old bike than with his newer one. The reason was simple: the older bike had rubber tires which actually gripped the pavement, unlike the plastic tires on his training bike. I started paying more attention to the daring 
maneuvers he began attempting. I was having the time of my life watching him grow mature as a bicyclist in front of my eyes, but I was worried. Worried that he would make a simple mistake in judgment that would bring injury to him.  Though I never informed him of my worries, I was looking out ahead of him. "Be careful on this turn. Look out for that branch in the path!" I even began to walk the path to inspect it and clear it of any debris: broken glass, pebbles, sticks.  Anything that might bring injury to my child. My son? He wasn't worried a bit. Because he just "knew" that daddy was there not only to protect him, but to pick him up if he fell.

Then it came to me. God does the same for us every day of our walk with Him. He protects us every step of the way. He keeps a watchful eye on us. Not because He doesn't trust us. Because He loves us. Since He is able to see the things that lie ahead of us, He clears the way so that we will not be seriously injured. He loves us so much that He will allow some pebbles or twigs to remain in our way so that we can learn to spot & steer clear of these obstacles, maturing in our walk. The purpose of those obstacles is not to hurt us but to  help us grow more and more each day. God has it worked out.  Don't look at the problem in front of you, look at Jesus ahead of you. Don't look for the problem's solution; look for Jesus, your problem solver.  Cast all your cares upon him. 

Father, I come to You in joyful thanksgiving for Your protection and provision during ALL seasons of my life. It doesn't matter what situation may arise in my life, I just "know" You will be there to protect me and pick me up if I were to fall, God. I thank You for Your promise and instruction in this passage, that we should not worry ourselves about our sustenance because You shall ALWAYS have a provision waiting for us, even when we are unable to see it.  Father, help me worry more about the lost souls that are still out there waiting for the good news, and less about my survival, for You have it worked out. I thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus and pray that You will always help me to do Your will, not mine.  It doesn't matter whether I plant the seed, water it, or reap the fruit of the labor, for You and only You give the increase. Just let Your perfect will be done in my imperfect life. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

God bless you all.

YBIC,

Joe Acosta.

Redeemed By His Blood Web Ministries