(For the curious, I choose to hyphenate this name of G-d as I appreciate the respect afforded Him in the practice by strict Jews. Tis a choice.)

Today’s high was approximately 395 degrees in Central FL, although a local news station claims it was only 91. But as I loaded my bike in my truck for my evening bike ride on the West Orange Trail I wasn’t thinking about it because I didn’t really notice it was so hot. Thankfully, G-d knew. He also knew that I would ride farther than normal and push myself harder than normal on this very toasty day.

I bought a bottle of water to try out the new bottle cage I got. This isn’t normal for me as I drink water all day long and usually throughout the evening and I don’t want to be bothered by it on the ride. So I got my water, loaded up and started out on the trail. Almost halfway through my trip I realized it was quite hot. A guy I’d talked to a couple times on the trail was riding in the same direction so we rode together for a ways talking. This pushed me to ride farther than normal. Good! I need the exercise!

Coming back there is a big hill that I must get over and I decided to push hard to build up momentum before the ascent. I made it to the top of the hill, ignoring a phone call from my brother-in-Christ, Chris. At the top of the hill I had some water and continued on my way, still out of breath but not wanting to rest long. I reached my truck, feeling tired but good…until I stopped. I had to lean over on my bike seat once I got off trying to catch my breath. I got the bike loaded and sat on a park bench feeling lightheaded. I drank more water, panting heavily, getting more lightheaded and seeing colors. I felt nauseous and knew this wretch was about to retch in a public park.

I asked G-d to please not let it happen but that that His will would be done and whatever happens that I learn anything I need to (I have much to learn so I try not to waste ANY teachable moment). He was kind and the water stayed put (that’s all that was in my stomach). I poured water over my head and slowly stopped seeing colors, got my breath back, and my legs strengthened. I was back to normal.

On my way home G-d did indeed show me His provision and sovereignty:

1.) I did not retch

2.) He led me to get water beforehand (Psalm 23 has a bit more meaning now though not even close to context) without a voice, I simply wanted to

3.) He heard and answered me in my pathetic and desperate physical state which is dressed-to-the-nines compared to my spiritual state when He granted me repentance and faith in Christ

4.) He provided a park bench for me

5.) He provided trees over the park bench giving me lovely shade

6.) He provided a friend to talk with afterward that could sympathize and laugh at me (in Christian love) and encourage me to never do that again

7.) He taught me that if I hope to achieve my goal of a long bike ride I needed to learn how to do it right

8.) He reminded me of how weak and helpless I am without Him. A lesson I hope to never forget.

9.) He showed me that He had it all under control long before I went through this. How long did the trees need to grow to get that size? How long ago did the park designers decide to put benches around the lot under trees? G-d was in it all and knew I would need them.

10.) He ensured I had money to buy the water, that the store had the water etc…

This list could go on for days but I want to encourage you to find G-d’s provision and sovereignty in everything as He has provided it all. Every breath, every laugh and every sip of water is a gift from Him. Praise Him for it and remember, He’s got it covered. Trust Him.

Perhaps you’re reading this and wondering what kind of nut I am to claim that G-d planned this whole thing out. This is nothing friend. He created the universe out of nothing in 6, 24 hour days. He completely flooded the Earth, saving 8 people on a boat (that was a foreshadow of Christ) who repopulated the Earth. He took on the form of human flesh, endured our hardships and pain, lived a sinless life and laid it down willingly so that all who would repent, turn from their sins and trust Jesus Christ alone for salvation could be forgiven, made new (Ezekiel 36:25-27) and given the right to be children of G-d (John 1:12). The RIGHT to be a child G-d! Where we will spend eternity in His presence. Then He rose from the grave, conquering sin and death, and ascended to the right hand of the Father awaiting His final judgment.

Have you repented and put your trust in Christ alone? Do you think you’re a “good person” and there is no way you’ll be denied heaven? “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you–unless indeed you fail the test?” (2 Cor 13:5).