^{Movin' Right Along}

 “Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-21)

I have been riding a bike again. It has been said that if you have ridden before it is easy to ride again. This is not entirely true. The hardest part is literally getting started. There is a lot involved with figuring out where in the arc to start the pedal, how to balance and how hard to push to get going. I have finally just about mastered this part and don't look like a flailing chicken anymore. Other challenges have been riding uphill and balance. Stretches that don't look uphill when you are walking or riding can be really tough to navigate when you are pedaling. Balance is important when you are riding on rough ground or uneven roads. The other problem I have had is that while some people are supportive and encouraging, there are those who think they are being cute and make fun of me. I have to choose to surround myself with the ones who are encouraging.

In our Christian lives, we see many parallels. It is hard to get started with something new God calls us to. Whether it is a new ministry opportunity or a new way of responding to old situations, it doesn't look pretty for a while. Recently I have started learning to practice kindness when I don't feel like it and not giving in to fear and insecurity. I do NOT have it down. Life has had some uphill stretches lately. I have found myself "weary in well-doing" as Paul says. (Galatians 6:9) Others in my life are also pedaling uphill right now and you probably are too. Balance in our lives is crucial as we walk with God and so is surrounding ourselves with people who can encourage us.
When we are trying to do new things, it is hard because we can't see the way. We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:7 that we must walk by faith and not by sight. Just like biking is an old-new adventure, sometimes God is helping us take old skills or experiences and use them in new ways. We need to trust that God is in control even when we don't understand. Right now we are in trying times, but He is still on the throne. 

What do we do when we find ourselves pedaling uphill? Paul had an answer for this. In Philippians 3:12-14, he says this.

12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Jesus himself knew about balance and we learn much from his example. In Luke 2:52 we are told that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." Several times we see that he withdrew to a quiet place or spent time alone with God. (Luke 5:16; Matthew 14:13-36; Matthew 15; Matthew 16; Matthew 17:1-20) We need to try to keep our lives balanced as well, perhaps especially when we are under stress. 

Just as I need encouraging people as I exercise, we desperately need encouragement in our Christian life. Many verses address this, but we read this is Hebrews. "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Even as we are practicing social distancing we need to look for creative ways to encourage each other, whether it be phone calls, emails, or mail. Also, I saw something new in  Romans 15:5 today. "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had." God gives us encouragement!

Life is hard. It is uphill sometimes and we are often lonely and discouraged. Keep these things in mind as we move through difficult times.