By Allison Feinauer
On vacation last year, my husband and son came home with an electric bike one afternoon. It was $1500 and soooo expensive. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t get a call to consult about this purchase; my husband just decided on his own. From then on, all I heard was, “You’ve got to try this bike. It’s amazing. You can still pedal on your own but it’s just the boost you need when you are on hills. You can go on longer rides and not feel like it’s all up to you when you get tired.” I’m like yeah, well I don’t need help. I’m strong. And isn’t bike-riding meant for exercise anyways, I mean, come on.
Well, I finally rode it and was blown away. I loved it. I could still pedal and get just the boost I needed. Hmm, they were onto something.
My son has been riding to go to a friend’s house that is a little further away before basketball. What that means is that the bike is left there when he leaves. So I’ve been “forced” to walk over to his friend’s house and then ride the bike home. I’ve been thinking about this lately in how it relates to my life.
On a regular bike, I do everything on my own. It’s up to me to get up the hills, to know how long I can last, and to not go too far. I must have strong legs and be independent.
This electric bike reminds me of the Holy Spirit’s power:
- It’s an investment. Not necessarily money, but it takes time and attention to know the Holy Spirit, having power through him is not something you just come up with on your own.
- You need space to recharge the bike and remember to charge it, much like you need to take time to be with Jesus and recharge on His love and strength.
- It’s fun and light, like he promised. When I stop trying to do it all on my own and with my own energy, strength, and power. I’m not worn out, I’m rejuvenated.
- I can go way longer than I ever could on my own, and at times I can rest while he carries me. Isn’t this what he instructs? Be still and know that I am God. Lie down in green pastures so I can restore your soul.
This is one of the closest examples I’ve experienced to what it’s like to follow Jesus. I still have to pedal, look both ways when crossing the street, make time to go and do it, stay balanced and have water with me, but it’s Him who gives me a boost. I can ride on His power and let Him work through me.
More than I love this electric bike and riding it around, I love that I have a Father God who knew we couldn’t do life here on our own. We needed a helper, an electric charge to do things in his strength because our flesh is weak. A supernatural power beyond myself.
Lately I’ve been feeling like a dead, heavy, uncharged bike, but I know what is needed: a recharge, time in open fresh air, and the right Power to get me to the next place He has for me.
I don’t want to do this on my own… wait, I can’t do this on my own! I’ll be weary, worn out, stressed, and feeling like I’ll never get there. I want his help. He promised to lead, guide, and be my help.
All I need to do is make the investment, jump on the bike, and trust his power to carry me.
Is there something in your life that feels all uphill? That you are doing on your own and can’t seem to succeed. Maybe it’s your self-esteem, weight, health, marriage, singleness, your job or your family? Does it feel too heavy? It’s ok, you are not alone. Jesus is waiting and wanting you to tap into the Power he gave us.
Holy Spirit, come and fill me. I want to lean on you more but I seem to just try to do it on my own. I want to lay down my independence to be close to you and give you space to be my help. Teach me and change my heart. I give you permission.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:5).
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
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