The day had come. Ryan decided to take the training wheel off of his bicycle. Dad got the wrench and within minutes the red 16 – incher was free of its cumbersome training wheels. Ryan shouted excitedly, "All right!", and prepared to climb on board.

"Slow down," said Dad, "riding without training wheels isn't that easy."

"O Dad, it can't be that hard. Just watch me!"

"Take your time," Dad replied. "Get on the bike and I'll hold the back end of it while you do some practicing."

"No way!" shouted Ryan. "I can do it myself. I'm not a baby, you know."

"Okay," Dad said, "but I'm here to hold you if you need me."

"Nope, I can handle this easy," Ryan said as he stepped on the left pedal and swung his right leg over the back of the bike. Down went the bike – and Ryan!

"The pedals must not have been in the right place," said Ryan.

"Right," said Dad with a smile. "How about I just hold the bike while you get on, then I'll let you go once you've got your balance?"

"No! I can do it myself!" Ryan tried again. This time the bike stayed up – at least for a second. Then down he went, tumbling over the front of the bike. Tears began to swell in his eyes, and in a frustrated voice said, "One more time!" But again down went the bike. Only this time Ryan slid and skinned his knee.

"Yeow! Dad, help!"

"Are you okay, Ryan?"

"Sure. It stings, but I'll be okay. Dad, do you think you could hold the bike while I try riding it?"

Learning to ride a bike can be a big challenge, especially if it's the first time. Ryan thought he could do things on his own, he didn't need his father's help.


Joshua faced a very frightening challenge in the Bible reading for today – to lead God's people into ferocious, enemy territory and to conquer the land. Enough to scare the daylights out of anybody!

Joshua remembered what Moses told him before he died. "The Lord will never leave you or forsake you" (Dt 31:8). So Joshua did not try to take things into his own hands. He realized how much he needed God's help. He didn't try to solve the problem on his own. Rather, Joshua trusted in God's promises for help and protection. Israel won a great victory and God was glorified.

What kind of problem is troubling you? A sick mom or dad. A bully who just keeps picking on you. No one wants to be your friend. Sins that make you toss and turn in the night. Jesus is interested in everyone's troubles. He suffered on a cross and solved our biggest problem – sin. St. Paul says, "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (Ro. 8:32).

Peter tells us to cast all our worries, cares, and problems to the Lord (1 Pt. 5:7). Don't be like Ryan and think that you can do things by yourself. Give your problems to your heavenly Father. Trust him to take care of you. Like in Joshua's time, the walls will come tumbling down.


Words to Pray Together
Dear Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times that I worry and fret about things. Lord, you have promised to care for me. Please forgive me all my sins. I trust you to make everything to work out for my good. I put my hope and trust in Jesus.
AMEN.