BUILDING UP ONE ANOTHER
Early in July, three friends and I completed a journey that took months of preparation. It started off as a dream, and a “bucket list” item for a couple of us. The dream was to complete a specific grueling bicycle trip in one day and in a reasonable amount of time. Frankly, it was a painful progression getting ready, involving sore muscles and many hours of discipline. It would have been a much harder process without friends along, encouraging one another during the whole training and ride process.
The result of all that work was completing the 2015 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP), a ride of 206 miles and 5300 feet of climbing, in one day. The ride originated in Seattle at the University of Washington and finished at Holladay Park in Portland, OR.
Training began in February with local rides ranging from 20 to 40 miles. We increased the mileage through the following months putting in “shorter” rides during the week and pedaling 70 to 135 mile stretches on weekends. The rains had no respect for our schedules and often poured on us as we trained. With summer came the heat with temperatures in the mid 90’s to “boost” us on the rides. Although difficult at times, we learned our individual needs for food, water and electrolytes. Often, 60 or so miles into a ride I would question my sanity. Why was I doing this to myself? Though the training was extensive and time consuming, it paid off during the STP.
The day of the ride came and we took our place in the mass of riders. The weather was cool, the sky overcast. At 4:45am we were off, following the lead riders through a maze of streets in the cool early hours. It was exciting to be part of a ride with literally thousands of riders, yet nerve wracking that so many miles still lay ahead of us. But this was what all the training was for, to enter this challenge, after months of preparation, to ride steady and strong, without fainting or falling.
In our Christian walk there are times God calls us to do some difficult things. These require consistency and endurance, especially when we don’t understand why it’s so tough. Sometimes it appears like life has lost touch with reality and insanity rules in situations around us. Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just intervene and change things? Or felt like what you are going through isn’t fair or just? Ever wonder where God is at, and not feel like He is still there, or that He cares? You are not alone.
The enemy wants us to be discouraged and stuck in self-pity. He often waits to attack until we are fatigued and worn out. Then he hurls his fiery darts and whispers that God or others are to blame for our struggles. This is when we need each other the most, members of the body of Christ. Not as a rescue team, but to encourage each other not to quit, not to lose hope, but to stay the course. We all need reassurance from time to time. When one is down, others are able to walk (or ride) beside them with both compassion and encouragement. Romans 14:19 inspires us: “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”
Candidly, during the long hours of training there were times when emotions and nerves would get the best of us. Then, a little humility and a pound of forgiveness kept our little peloton together. We learned to draft behind one-another (to reduce wind resistance) without running into each other or over something in the road. We also learned to work with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. What resulted was a picture of what it can be to be the body of Christ.
The world needs to see true Christianity in action. The best way I know how is to demonstrate, through sacrificial service, that we choose His ways and not our ways. It means learn and practice loving one another even when we don’t feel like it, which is why it is a command and not just a recommendation. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Be encouraged, stay the course, especially when you are exhausted, and lovingly build up one another, and the world will know we are His followers.
Bob Hardin
Director – NWBCC
Testimonies
· Our week of counseling has caused me to let go and trust God. It may happen with every few breaths that I do this, but with time, there’s a peace and “shift” in my mind and heart. I’m able to enjoy each day without feeling angry and rejected and many other emotions.
· This week has been the greatest investment we have ever made in our marriage. If anyone out there is on the fence about taking the time and money to do this for their marriage ought to jump off that fence and dive in head first. I promise you it will be the most fulfilling, restorative, healing week of your life.
· God met with us this week, and healed many deep wounds from the past. I feel like a major weight has been lifted off of me and I’ve been given a nice pack that fits me, with tools that I need to continue on. God is AWESOME!
“God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
Max Lucado