Biking Across America by Paul Stutzman

raised his face to the sky and pleaded with God for help. “God, if I’m to make this court date today, it’s now in your hands; I don’t know what to do.”
    In the early morning light, he saw a pickup truck coming down the road. It pulled over and a young man stepped out of the truck.
    â€œSir, do you need help?” the truck driver asked.
    â€œYes. I’m in trouble here. I need a front tire for my bicycle.” Half in jest, Danny asked if he might have a twenty-six-inch tire lying in the back of his truck.
    â€œTake a look,” the young man said. “I stop and pick up all kinds of stuff I find along the highway. You never know when you might need something.”
    Danny took a look. To his incredulous surprise, a new twenty-six-inch knobby bicycle tire lay in the middle of the truck bed.
    â€œDidn’t even remember it was there. Must have picked it up somewhere though,” said the young driver.
    â€œI don’t have any money to buy it,” said Danny.
    â€œThere’s no charge. Take it, it’s yours,” said the truck driver. Danny retrieved the tire and the truck sped away. It was an early morning miracle, and he thanked and praised God while he changed the tire.
    Sitting there and listening to Danny’s story, I was stunned. It was clear that God had used two flat tires that morning to synchronize our days so that we two would meet. How often are we inconvenienced by some unexpected turn, and in our frustration we fail to see that God may be setting up a divine occasion? Had my tire not been flat that morning, I would have missed this encounter with one of the most inspiring folks I have ever met.
    After picking up my repaired bicycle, I thanked Danny for his testimony and his story. He had endured more pain and heartache than any one person should be asked to carry, yet he rejoiced in what little he had.
    Back home in my sheltered community, we are fortunate and blessed, not only with the lovely landscape that is Holmes County but with good jobs, schools, and churches. I know of no one who is collecting cans for a few meager dollars to pay for their next meal. No one is sleeping under bridges because they are homeless in Amish country. No one I know has been beaten and robbed by meth addicts.
    We are blessed because our community was created by ancestors who honored God, and our grandparents and parents passed a godly heritage on to us. Folks by the millions realize there is something compelling about our community. Sure, they come for the scenery, the food, the crafts, and the peaceful lodging. But there is something else drawing them here. I believe it is our people. We have something they desire—a slower lifestyle, a sense of contentment, a peace. Sadly, most will leave without hearing about the peace that passes all understanding.
    As I pedaled away from Danny and the bike shop, I was still thinking about the amazing story I had heard that day. The Spirit within had nudged me about many things. I was reminded that God does work for what is best in our lives, and that God’s children do not all look exactly like me. This inspiration and instruction came through someone I would probably have avoided if left to my own plan. I was also reminded to be grateful for my home and heritage.
    You may be the person who can make a difference in someone else’s life. The next time you are having a frustrating day and it seems that nothing is falling into place, be patient and watchful; a divine encounter may be just around the corner. Would I have met Danny if there had been no flat tires? Was everything that day just coincidence? Do encounters like this just randomly happen? What about the improbability of a pickup truck coming by in the early morning with a twenty-six-inch bicycle tire in the back? MightDanny’s benefactor have been an angel? Do you think angels could be driving pickup trucks?
    I know what I believe, but I still have