I took my daughters to the beach for a few days during the lockdowns and the trying times of Covid. South Carolina did not have the same restrictions as North Carolina. We were able to enjoy a couple of days in the fresh ocean air. An activity I look forward to while at the beach is renting a bike and riding on the sand as the water washes ashore.
The best time to ride was in the morning before the beaches became crowded and the sun was too hot. One morning I was riding and enjoying the beautiful soft sand on one side and the breathtaking ocean on the other. The peddling was soothing and relaxing. I was riding against the wind. I chose to go that way because it was morning, and I was rested and had energy. As I rode, peddling became increasingly more challenging and slower. My legs began to ache, and I was getting out of breath. It was becoming a struggle, and I no longer felt peaceful or received enjoyment from this experience. I was enjoying the scenery, but I was getting tired and was only focusing on how long I would ride before I gave up and rested for a while. I rode until I saw some logs I could sit on and regain strength. As I sat there, the cadence of the waves soothed me and restored my energy. I started to relax and enjoy the beauty of where I was. My heart rate slowed to almost in time with the waves. People were out walking, and dogs were playing in the water. People were enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the beach.
After a while, I felt rejuvenated and picked up my bike to start the journey back to the hotel. Now the wind was at my back. The return ride was delightful. I smiled as the children were so excited to be on the beach. Parents called after the little ones to stay close, and I smiled, remembering when I was with small children on vacation. I was not experiencing any struggle, just plain enjoyment.
This experience reminded me of life. Sometimes we set out on a journey, not realizing the struggle ahead. It becomes increasingly more demanding and less fun. We concentrate on the difficulty, not the beauty of life surrounding us. We are still determining where this challenging journey will end or when we will get rest. We may concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. In my experience, the struggle does cease, at least for a while, and we get to rest. The one authentic way that I have received this blessed rest is to come under the care of God. Here is where I will receive rejuvenation for the journey ahead. Often after a struggle, we may experience a time of renewal, the wind at our back. We start to enjoy the scenery around us, remember past blessings, and are in a good place enjoying life. Why don’t these times last as long as the hard times? My bike ride that morning was the same distance going and returning. However, one seemed shorter than the other. Life is like that, also. Good times may last just as long as the bad, but instead of focusing on the journey, we can focus on the beauty around us along with the joy and blessings of the experience. If I concentrate on the good and the pleasures, the struggle and the hard times won’t outlast the good times. The hard times are actual. My muscles will get a good workout. I will struggle, but like my legs gaining strength, my faith will gain durability as I go through the valleys and depend on God to bring me out the other side. If I keep going and do not give up, I will build endurance for the future struggles I will experience.
The Bible has many examples of people learning perseverance through trial. A few examples are Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers, the disciples as they spread the gospel, David, Saul wanting to kill him, and Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. They could only persevere because God was with them. They relied on God’s strength, not their own. The Bible also gives many promises of God’s power being with us. Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” This verse is a beautiful blessing to hold onto while our endurance is building. Philippians 4:13 also points to the fact that the power of Christ in us is all we need to run with endurance during the trials and difficulties we face. It is Christ in us that sustains us and empowers us to keep going when we want to give up. Our challenges are not just for us to endure and get through. These experiences can grow us and change who we are. It is not just about getting through something but being a stronger person of faith on the other side.
I told my daughter how much I enjoyed my morning ride. She wanted to go with me the next morning. It was another beautiful day, and we started full of energy. After a while, she had the same reaction I had the previous day. She said to me at one point, “I can keep going, but I just need to know how much further”? In other words, she was getting tired and wanted to know when rest was coming. Riding with her reminded me of journeying through life with God. He knows when rest is coming and when circumstances are going to turn around, so the wind is at my back. I have said something similar to God, “I am tired; how much further?”
Thanks to all the bike riding I had been doing, my endurance was building, and I could have kept going. However, we decided we had gone far enough and stopped to get some rest. We sat and enjoyed each other’s company and the beauty of God’s creation. I can also sit and enjoy God’s company during my endurance-building times. God is always with us, and Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged”.
After a while, we turned around and rode back to the village. We rode along, talking and storing the beautiful memories of time together and the blessing God had given us of time and beauty. We also were headed to a little coffee shop for croissants and muffins; we may have ridden a little quicker! I have been to the beach a few times since this trip. Every time I ride on the beach, I remember these two days like they just happened. They remind me of the importance of building my faith and strengthening my endurance. I learned to see God in all circumstances through a bike ride. He is present in times of struggle and times of ease.
Peace in the Desert 