25 The Widowmaker—When the Trail Seems Impossible

Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.

Psalm 139:1-4 NIV 

There have been times when the only trail guide available has been a local map. After several days of maneuvering hard-core trails, which were usually 25-30 miles of steep mountain climbs, our ride group decided to take it easy for the day. According to the map, there was a short, 15 mile trail which included 5 miles of steep, but manageable mountain road.

The ride started with talking, laughing, and with smooth pedaling. The scenery was amazing; tall trees, grassy fields, a creek, and crystal clear pond were our companions. Then the mountain became too steep to ride, and as we came to a bend in the road, we found ourselves at the mouth of an old mine.  At this point, I realized why the next section was named by locals as The Widow-maker.  It was “sickly-steep,” with fallen trees, branches, pine cones, boulders and rocks covering every inch of the climb.  After thirty minutes of hike-a-bike leading to a hairpin turn, the road finally cleared to just dirt, rocks, and short grass.  

On and on we climbed—upward and around the short mountain pass.  Only after reaching the timberline, enjoying a snowball fight, and hiking several more thickly wooded areas (and seven hours later), were we able to ride our bikes down a creek-bed to the road leading back to our vehicles.

I was thankful to have finished the ride with no injuries.  I definitely didn’t get off easy on that one; ultimately The Widow Maker lived up to its name. It was a great ride, but not the “day off” I had planned on. Such is mountain biking, and such is life!

Lord God, my ways are in Your hands.  I look to you for my daily bread, my protection, and my joy.  It is in you that I find peace.  You know me better than I know myself, and my times are in your hands.  Cause me to dwell on the fact that you are in my life, and that when I need you, You are there to answer my call. I can trust you every hour of the day.

Challenge 25:  At this moment in time, as you think about your day, your week, your month, can you see the fingerprints of God making and molding your life?  In what ways have you felt his strength lifting you up, and carrying you? Have you experienced His grace?  Maybe this is a good time to place yourself in His hands, to trust in His wisdom, to walk by faith, and be filled with God’s peace.