In Tim Hansel’s book Holy Sweat, Tim reflects on his relationship with the Lord in a way that most of us can relate to. He says, “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.

 But later 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 to pedal. I don’t know when 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; sometimes 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. And when I might say, ‘I’m scared,’ He would lean back and touch my hand.

 I did not trust Him at first, to be in control of my life. I thought He would wreck it.  But He knows bike secrets; how to make it bend around sharp corners and how to jump high rocks.

 I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places and I am beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful companion, Jesus Christ. And when I’m sure I just can’t do any more, He just smiles and says, ‘Pedal.’”

The ebb and flow of the Christian life is challenging. But I think this week is a good time to take Tim’s comments to heart. The Lord does not desire to just sit on the back of our bike and provide “energy” for our plans. Of course He is willing to provide resources for our lives, but He wants to be and do so much more with us.

Let’s move Him to the front seat of the tandem. Let’s let Him set the course and choose the level of difficulty for the ride. Let’s practice trusting our heavenly companion and when it gets particularly tough, just pedal!