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PROGRAM D-7750

Did you ever think that life as a believer is like a tandem bike trip with you and the Lord? We’ve been imagining your bike trip to the high places. You stopped while the Lord refreshed you. Now it’s time to start again.

“Why does it take so long to get to the high places?” you ask Jesus.

“Because you have a great deal to learn on the journey,” He responds.

“Like what?” you ask.

“Like perseverance,” He says. “You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4).

“Who me? I don’t feel very mature and complete,” you respond weakly.

“I know,” he smiles at you, “but when you get to the high places, you’ll be surprised at all you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. And in addition, you’re developing your gifts now on the journey to the high places, and I will use your gifts to help others on the way.”

“Really?” you are excited.

“Yes, in fact, there’s someone on the side of the road now who looks pretty discouraged. Why don’t you stop and use that gift of mercy which you have,” Jesus suggests.

“I have the gift of mercy? Wow,” and with that you stop to help someone else. “Yes,” you say to her, “I know how it feels when you want to quit. I wanted to quit, too, a few days ago, but Jesus refreshed me, so now I’m back on the road again. Would you like for me to sit with you while you take a nap? I have a great lullaby I could sing for you.”

She welcomes your help, and you share with her the same wonderful song of hope that Jesus gave you. You forget all about yourself as you try to help your fellow-traveler, and before you know it, several hours have passed.

“See,” Jesus says, “it’s not just getting to the high places that is important. I have wonderful plans for you all along the way.”

“Maybe we can wait until she wakes up and take her along with us,” you suggest. “She’s a little bit crippled and she needs some help.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Jesus says, and he sits beside you as you comfort your new friend you’ve found on this journey to the high places.

Well, it’s an allegory, a story from my imagination, but I hope you’ll remember the illustration of you and Jesus on a tandem bike, a bicycle built for two, and I hope you’ll remember to let him take the front seat. It is a wonderful journey you have to look forward to, if you’ll just trust him all the way.