2 Corinthians 5:16-19 Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Just pedal - You or God?
At first, I saw God as my 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 out there sort of like a president -- Irecognized his picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him. Later on, when I met God, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was at the back, helping me pedal.
I don't know when it was that He suggested that we change places, but life has not been the same since. 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 breakneck speeds. It was all I could do was just hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"
When I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer. It was then I started to learn to trust. I forgot myboring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch myhand.
He took me to people with gifts that I needed -- gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me gifts to take on my journey. And we were off again. He said, "Give the gifts away -- they're extra baggage, too much weight." So I did -- to the people we met. Ifound that in giving I received, and still our burdenwas light.
In the beginning I did not trust Him in control of my life. I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, knows how to jump to clear high rocks, knows how to fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places. I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with God as my delightful constant companion. And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He smiles and says, "Just Pedal!"
