Lessons from a bicycle...

I’ve probably got a similar “learning to ride a bike” story to almost everyone else’s in this country, and probably even some of other countries.  As a little girl, I loved my little pink bike with the streamers and chunky banana seat.  Then, I hit the point of decision to want the training wheels off, after deciding that I had grown too cool and mature for them.  So, my dad took me outside to our front driveway, took off the training wheels and stood right beside me as I climbed on.  Talk about a scary moment of potential independence for a child.  I got off to a pretty rocky start, complete with tears and cries to stop, but inwardly not wanting to quit until I got the hang of it.  Persistence is thankfully something that’s always been part of my personality.  I’ve never believed that anyone could get anywhere by just giving up.  So, I did not… and my dad, in turn, did not leave my side.  He encouraged me and affirmed my abilities to do it if I would just keep trying.  He helped me take off down our driveway, and helped catch me when I fell after a burst of a little too much confidence in my new abilities.  Finally, I was able to pedal my little self to the next neighbor’s driveway… then back again.  The next time I took off, I traveled two houses down, and back again.  Before I knew it, I was off – without my father’s help – but with his constant cheering and on looking.  Come to think of it, I don’t remember my dad ever letting me go out to ride my bike without him standing in the driveway watching, to be sure I was safe.  Some freedom... with a lot of loving protection.

Now, when I look back on it, the similarity of my bike riding growth, to my walk with my Heavenly Father, is amazing.   As a little girl, I also chose to make that first step of faith in choosing to follow Jesus and to walk in His ways.   I had no idea what I was doing or what it would require of me, but I knew down deep with childlike faith that I wanted to follow with persistence – whatever that would mean.  As I began to grow in my faith, and grow older, I also faced challenges – and I have screwed up plenty along the way in the way I’ve handled some things.  I have cried plenty, and whined quite a bit to Him as well that this is just too hard.  I have struggled with confidence and the belief that I can do this thing called my journey and ride of faith. 

And yet, my Father has never ever left me.   He has listened to my cries, whispered gently through His Word when I needed to hear that still small voice speaking through the noise and chaos of life, and cheered loudly through His body speaking truth into my soul right when I need it most.  And as I’ve grown in my walk with Him, He’s stretched me with greater challenges, equipping me in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Now, as I continue to face what literally has been the hardest season of my life, I know for sure every single day, that it is in His strength alone that I can do this.  I’m more convinced than ever before that He is with me and will never leave.  Without His presence, I would fall right off this bike of life, flat on my derriere.  And you better believe that I still do, so to speak, when I try to pedal it all alone.  But with Him right there beside me, where He’s promised to remain, I can do this.  And whatever it is that you are facing, you can do too. 

You need to know that today, so I’ll say it again.  You can do this.  But just don’t try to do it alone.  You’ll fall down every time.  Believe me – I know. 

"The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Deuteronomy 31:8