Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of 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 really didn't know Him.

But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride. But it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back seat helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since.

When I had control, 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 at breakneck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! Even through it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal."

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?!

He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into an 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 gifts to take on my 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 that 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, and knows how to 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 Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says, "Pedal."

Author Unknown

2 Corinthians 2:14 – But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

Prayer: Thank you for being patient with me while my trust in You grows. Help me to know You wholly and love You fully. Amen.

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About the author:

Ruth Burkholder <ruth.burk@sympatico.ca>
Stouffville, Ontario, Canada
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