I ran behind Caleb’s bicycle holding onto the seat to steady him.

“Faster, Mommy! Then let go!”

He peddled as fast as he could and as I released him, I yelled, “Remember, keep the handlebars steady and if the bicycle wants to fall, turn towards the fall!”

Just as I released him, he panicked and jerked the handlebars back and forth and once again the bicycle went out of control and he crashed to the ground.

My 4-year old son was determined to learn to ride bike, but he was becoming frustrated and bruised and I didn’t know how to instruct him. Christina, a 3-year-old friend of the family was riding her tiny bicycle like a pro.

With his fifth birthday just a few days away, I exclaimed, “Caleb, I just realized why you can’t ride! You’re only 4-years old! Christina is riding a 3-year-old bike. You have to be 5 to be able to ride a big bicycle like this! You’re too young! When you turn 5, you’ll be able to ride!”

“Oh, really?” He was hopeful.

“Your birthday is in 2 days!”

“O.K. I guess I can wait.”

He walked his bike back to the garage and went to play on the tree swing with his sister. He didn’t even try riding the next day.

The sun had just peeked over the horizon the morning of Caleb’s birthday. I heard the front door slam. Wanting to squeeze in just a couple more minutes of rest I pulled the blankets over my head to block the morning sun and closed my eyes. A minute later I realized Donnie was still in bed and I jumped up to look out the bedroom window to see who had gone out the door. My heart flooded with joy as I saw my sweet 5-year-old son riding his bicycle in the farm yard parking lot going in circles with no help from anyone. He embraced the promise that he could ride when he turned 5, and he was walking (riding) it out right before my eyes. I was delighted.

God gave me the faith to be able to give Caleb that promise, but Caleb had to believe it and when he threw his leg over that bike, there wasn’t a doubt in his mind that he could ride that bicycle.

Imagine the delight of God as he sees his children believe His promises! The Bible is filled with promises – in fact there are over 8,000 promises in the Bible. A promise is powerful, but it is only powerful if we believe it and act on it.

As you pray over your time reading the Bible, He will reveal promises tailored to you for that day, for the circumstance you are dealing with. It’s exciting getting fresh promises to carry you through your situation.

I looked up “God’s promises” on the internet. What a wonderful God we serve. He wants us to trust Him, with EVERY aspect of our lives. He speaks to our every need, our every fear, and promises to be with us and guide us and protect us, and provide for us. He is everything.

When you are weary, when you just don’t think your life matters anymore, when the whole world looks like it has gone crazy, read God’s word and know He is for you and not against you.

Isaiah 40:29 | He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:31 | But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

James 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 4:7 | Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Mark 11:24 | Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Philippians 4:19 | And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 50:15 | and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

Philippians 4:6-7 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 7:14 | If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

John 8:36 | So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Luke 11:9 | So I say to you; Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Exodus 14:14 | The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Romans 4:21 | Fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.

Numbers 23:19 | God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

Psalm 91:10 | No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.

There’s nothing more that we need to do. When He says you can ride that bicycle, all you need to do is believe it, jump on, and let Him guide you. When He says He will provide for you, when He says He will strengthen you, when He says no plague will come near your dwelling, we only need to believe, and live our lives knowing the One who holds our hand will guide and protect and keep us.