Learning to Ride - The Journey of Faith

By: Dave Messenger
  
Many years ago, when one of my boys was only 5-years old, he learned to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle for the very first time.   He was so excited that he had finally learned to ride a 2-wheeled bicycle.  His face lit up with a grin from ear to ear declaring the great joy of his newfound accomplishment.  He had tried several times before without the training wheels, but just could not seem to get the hang of it.  During his several attempts to learn, I would remove the training wheels, but then later I would have to re-install the training wheels because of his frustration with the learning process.  I kept trying to encourage him and tell him that it would be easier to ride without the training wheels.  So, then very reluctantly he would have me remove the training wheels once again only to find that he still just could not seem to do it.   Finally, one day as he tried once again, to his great surprise, and to mine as well, he just seemed to get on and go without any difficulties whatsoever.  He said, “Dad, look I am finally riding a 2-wheeler all by myself!”   And once he started riding all by himself, he did not want to stop.
 
How many times do we find ourselves in a similar scenario in our own lives even as “grown-ups”?  We seem to try something and then just give up because we just don’t seem to be getting the hang of it.  It seems that sometimes in life we seem to think we need the old “training wheels” and can’t move on without them.  However, we do not realize that sometimes it is the “training wheels” that are holding us back from the acceleration and smooth ride that we are desiring to accomplish.
 
Do you remember learning to ride a bicycle? Do you remember the first time you took off the training wheels?  It was a moment filled with anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little bit of fear.  But in that moment, you embraced the unknown and trusted in your ability to balance and ride on your own.
 
In our spiritual journey, there comes a time when we need to take off the training wheels of our faith.  We need to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the challenges and opportunities that God has placed before us.  It may be a new ministry, a mission trip, or simply reaching out to someone in need. Whatever it is, it requires us to trust in God and rely on His guidance.
 
Just as the training wheels gave us stability and support when we were learning to ride, our comfort zones provide a sense of security and familiarity.  But there comes a point when God calls us to step out of that comfort zone and discover the fullness of His plan for our lives.  He wants us to grow, to learn, and to experience the beauty and joy that come with walking in obedience to His calling.
 
But taking off the training wheels requires faith.  It requires us to believe that God has equipped us with everything we need to succeed. In the book of Hebrews 11:1 (NLT), it says, " Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. "   We may not see the outcome or the path ahead clearly, but we can have confidence in God's faithfulness and His promises.
 
When we take off the training wheels, we may stumble, and we may fall.  But remember, failure is not the end.  Failure is simply an opportunity to learn and grow.  Proverbs 24:16 (NLT) says, "The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.  But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked." God's grace is there to lift us up, to dust us off, and to set us on the right path again.
 
As we take off the training wheels, let us remember that we are not alone.  God is with us every step of the way. He is our loving Father, cheering us on, guiding us, and encouraging us to keep going.  Psalm 32:8 (NLT) says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you."
 
So, my friends, today I urge you to take off the training wheels of your faith. Embrace the unknown, trust in God's guidance, and step out in obedience.  As you do, you will discover the incredible joy, fulfillment, and purpose that come with surrendering your life to God's plan.  Remember, He is making a way for you, and He is ready to do a new thing in your life.  May we all have the courage to let go of our comfort zones, to trust in God's promises, and to ride the exhilarating journey of faith without training wheels.  Amen.

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