Ride for Refuge — Refuge for the Ride
A few years ago a friend and I took to our mountain bikes and hit some of the snowmobile trails in our area. We had no plan, only a day of fun and adventure and going wherever the trails would lead us. We hit terrain of all types: steep hills, deep gulleys, narrow passages and wide open paths. One of the most memorable points of our adventure began when we approached what appeared to be a “boggy” area on the trail. When we saw there was no way around it, we decided, in the spirit of adventure, to go through it. Fully prepared to at least get our feet wet and feeling very much like “real” trail bikers, we journeyed on. The muddy waters did not take long to reach our pedals. Wet feet…Check! However, what came next was quite unexpected. Before we knew it, our bikes disappeared as the waters ascended to our waists. Realizing we were well past the point of no return, we trudged forward to the other side. After catching our breath, exchanging a few laughs, and a few musings of our misadventure, we carried on. Before long we came upon an opening the woods, and to our pleasant surprise, found ourselves in the middle of a wild blueberry patch. There we enjoyed the generous provisions of nature and then journeyed on home where we hosed the mud plaster off of our bikes… and ourselves!
On September 23, we will be riding or walking for the cause of bringing refuge to those who are overwhelmed by the deep, and often murky, waters of life. However, when it comes to the “ride of life,” how good it is to have the assurance that refuge is not only found at our destination, but is also found throughout our journey. In Isaiah 43, the Lord says: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.”
We challenge you to join us in the Ride for Refuge — whether you ride, walk, sponsor a rider/walker, or volunteer at the event on the 23rd -- it all works together to bring refuge to those who need Jesus. And as we journey through our own lives, may we fix our eyes on Jesus who IS our refuge now and always no matter what that journey may bring.
