We’re calling the next two years a spiritual journey. Let me also suggest we call it, as we should call a life led by Jesus, an adventure!
Two words began a revolution when they sank into the hearts of those early disciples. The same two words can sink into our hearts. And when they do, as we say “yes,” we’ll never be the same.
“Follow Me.”
That’s all Jesus needed to say. That is, in fact, what being a Christian is all about: Following Jesus. I’ve never seen it stated more clearly as I do each time I read this poem. No one knows who wrote it, but it definitely captures the essence of our adventure.
The Road of Life
At first, I saw 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 really didn’t know Him.
But later on
When I met Christ,
It seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride,
But it was a tandem bike,
And I noticed that Christ
was in the back 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 though 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 learn to trust.
I forgot my boring life
and entered into the 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,
knows how to jump to clear high rocks,
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.”
Who’s ready to pedal?
Prayer thought:
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. (Isaiah 50:10 NIV)
Lord, help me to trust you fully. Help me to go where you lead, even when I don’t understand. Teach me to follow the way YOU require. I surrender control over my life to you today. Fill me with the strength I need to “pedal”.
