Scott's Great Divide Ride

My two Bible verses for my Great Divide Mountain Bike Ride are Joshua 4:24 and Philippians 4:2. Why these two?

When I rode across the country on the TransAm route in 2021, my verse was Romans 15:13:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

It is still one of my all-time favorite verses—one I could spend hours and days meditating on. It is so rich and satisfying.

For this ride, Philippians 4:2 was already the leading candidate. But when I arrived back in the United States and stayed at a lodge in Eureka, I saw Joshua 4:24 embedded in their signage. When I read it, I knew immediately that I needed to include it too:

“So that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”

Consider what God was instructing Joshua to do. He told him to create a memorial so that future generations would remember what God had done—His miracles, His power and His faithfulness.

That speaks deeply to me on this journey.

So far on this trip, I have experienced God’s presence and faithfulness in countless ways. Joshua 4 reminds me to remember. Remember what God has done. Remember His faithfulness. Remember that His hand is mighty.

Then there is Philippians 4:2, which challenges me in a completely different way. Paul says:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”

As if the word ALWAYS isn’t enough, Paul says, AGAIN I say rejoice.

This is an imperative command. It doesn’t come with an exception clause based on my circumstances.

When I am uncomfortable, I rejoice.
When I am struggling, I rejoice.
When the ride is difficult, I rejoice.

Period.

Paul doesn’t allow feelings, emotions or circumstances to determine whether we are going to rejoice in the Lord. Our joy isn’t dependent on whether things are going well. It is rooted in who God is.

That sounds simple, but it is oh so profound—and incredibly challenging, especially for me on this ride.

But that is for another post.

For now, I encourage you to read and meditate on these verses for a while. Ask God to show you what He wants you to remember, where He is calling you to rejoice, and how He is asking you to trust Him in the circumstances you’re facing today.

Remember. Rejoice. Press on.

Grow strong and stand firm.

Blessings,

Scott

To help:

1. Donate
2. Under “Apply My Donation,” select “Scott’s Great Divide Ride.”
3. Learn more and pray for the ministry: LordsGymMinistries.org.