The Tandem Bike

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At first I saw God as an 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 sort of out there like a president. I recognized His picture when I saw it but I really didn't know Him.

Later on when I met Christ it seems as though life were rather like a bike ride. But it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was on 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.
You see, 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 break-neck speeds. It was all I could do to hang on! And even though it looked like madness, He said, “Pedal.”

When I was worried and anxious and I asked, “Where are you taking me?”, He laughed. He didn't answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and I entered into the adventure. When I'd say “I'm scared”, He'd lean back and He'd touch my hand. He took me to people with gifts that I needed; gifts of healing and acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey, my Lord’s and mine.

Then we would be off again. He said, “Give the gifts away! They're extra baggage! Too much weight.” So I gave them away to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and in doing so that my burden stayed light.

I did not trust Him at first in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it. But He knows bike secrets! He knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners. He knows how to make it jump to clear high rocks. He knows how to fly to shorten the scary passages. I'm learning to trust Him while we pedal in the strangest places! I'm beginning to enjoy the view, and to enjoy the cool breezes on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ. And when I'm sure I just can't take anymore.....

He just smiles and says, "Pedal, just pedal."


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But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them-- sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.
Isaiah 42:16 (The Message)