Promise Eight A Growing Faith

Faith is like riding a bicycle. The problem is at my age, the bike hangs on a wall most of the time.

A while back, a fine Spring day dawned, and I thought to myself, "Man, this would be a great day to go bike riding." As you surmise, the bike had been attached to the wall all winter, basically collecting dust. With great motivation, anticipation, and a burst of energy, I pumped up the tires, oiled the sprocket, and put on my helmet. Seven minutes and thirty-three seconds later, the bike was being hanged on the wall and the helmet was put back on the workbench. My thighs were screaming for mercy. I couldn't catch my breath. I felt no pulse. (That's because my heart was beating so fast it had become one, long, steady beep in my chest.) I will not mention how my backside hurt. (Sorry, I just did.) Again, a lesson was learned. To get in shape for bike riding, one must begin slowly and work up. The first couple of journeys are made around the block on a flat surface, no wind of course. Then comes the first little incline. Finally, you work up enough stamina to take on a trail. From there, anything is possible. Listen to this promise.

Promise Eight
James 1:2-4
"Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."

We know that various degrees of trial come our way, testings that mirror riding a bike up a steep incline. Everything hurts. It's difficult to continue. You can't see the top of the hill because your neck is bowed downward in the effort. Still, the finish line is getting closer. The more you climb those hills, the stronger you will be. Keep your heart bowed in a prayerful effort. Keep your service to others pumping on the pedals of your love. Keep envisioning the Lord waiting for you at the finish line with a cool cup of water and a rest. Then, after you've caught your breath and basked in the accomplishment, he'll turn and point toward the next big hill, or moutain. At least your stamina will have increased. What a ride of faith our life in Christ can be! Keep pumping away, my friend, and pray for me as I take the bike off the wall again this spring.
Pastor Jim