I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the
things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I
die. He was out there, sort of like a president. I recognized His
picture when I saw it, but I didn't really know Him.
But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like
a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the
back helping me pedal. I didn't know just when it was He suggested we
change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to
Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I
knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest
distance between two points.
But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains,
and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could
do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said,
"Pedal!" I was worried and anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?"
He laughed and didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot
my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm
scared", He'd lean back and touch my hand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing,
acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our
journey, my Lord's and mine. And we were off again. He said, "Give the
gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did, to the
people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden
was light.
I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He'd
wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take
sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.
And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm
beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my
delightful constant companion, Jesus.
And when I'm sure I just can't do any more, He just smiles and says... "Pedal."
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Keep pedaling despite your fears. God knows all the bumps in the road,
and, although you falter and even wipe out, His grace surrounds you to
the end.
Remember God's promise through His Word... II Corinthians 12:9
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength
is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."