Truth is, our relationship with God can be compared to a child learning how to ride a bike.
Interesting analogy, I know, but stick with me here.
Think back to the days when you first learned how to ride a bike- you were probably nervous, a little unsure, but for the most part, you were probably extremely excited. It may have been out of your comfort zone, but this was huge for you! You were pumped about the adventure ahead! I finally get to ride a bike! Learning to ride a bike was a big step for you. All the big kids got to ride bikes. Now you got to be one of them! You were growing up. And who could be more excited for you than your parents. For this analogy, let's say it was your dad. He wanted you to learn and to master the art of bike riding just as bad, if not more, than you did! He was your biggest supporter in your endevour. He was your number one fan.
Getting on the bike was just the beginning. It takes courage to actually get up on the stool and put your feet on the pedals. Doing it alone would have been terrifying, but knowing that your dad was there to protect you and help you along the way gave you the strength to try it. He knew you were scared and unsure about what might happen. He knew you doubted you could even do it. But he also knew the outcome. He knew you were going to be successful. There was no doubt in his mind that you could do it! The only thing that would keep you from riding your bike was your own fear.
That in mind, he did all he could to encourage you. I know you can do it. I'm right here to help you along. With his encouragement and faith in you, you decided to give it a try. So you put on your helmet, got on that bike and, with your dad's hand on the seat and steering wheel, he helped you get your start. This was motivating for you! You were actually riding a bike! This built you up with so much confidence and made you believe that you could do it!
After a while, you got comfortable with your bike. You were used to the way it rode, you knew how turn, how to stop, and how to signal. Knowing what to expect and with the security of your father, you were now in your 'comfort zone' again. Your dad knew, though, that he couldn't physically hold on forever. He had to let you go and try to do it on your own. He never left you. He was still on the sidelines cheering you on and give you encouragement. Letting you ride on your own gave you a choice: whether or not you wanted to stay on the bike ride, or stop all together. He couldn't make you ride the bike. He wanted you to trust him. Even though it pained him to do so, knowing that you would stumble and fall, he had to let go.
The first time you fell was the worst. Daddy, why did you let go!? You're supposed to help me, not let me fall! This would kill your dad when he heard you say this. The last thing he wanted was for his child to fall. But he knew it was going to happen. He knew you would ride your bike over on the gravel when he told you to stay on the pavement. He knew there would be a rock in the road that would trip you up eventually. The greatest thing though, was that he never left your side. When you fell, he sprinted over to you and picked you up. He wiped your tears, put a bandage on your knee, and hugged you.
Even though you fell, he encouraged you to just keep going, The pain now was nothing compared to the joy you would have from riding the bike. He knew how happy it would make you in the end and he just wanted what was best for you. He gave you this bike and wanted you to enjoy it to the fullest! The bumps in the road are necessary to help you learn and to become a better bike rider. Falling was the best thing for you. It taught you to stay on the path your dad told you about, to watch out for rocks, and stay focused on the end outcome. Good will come out of this. Best of all, it gave your dad such pleasure knowing that you trusted him when he said to keep going. Getting back up and trying again is the best thing you could do.
After a couple more falls, laughter, tears, and hard work, you FINALLY learned how to ride that bike! You did it! You were riding all by yourself and your dad was there through it all! You finally learned to ride a bike, just like your dad promised and you were filled with more joy than you could ever imagine! You never knew it could be this wonderful! It was the best day of your life!
And the best thing that you ever could have done, was trust your dad. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment