Once I learned to ride a bike, that was nearly all I did. I was too young to go off on bike rides by myself, so I would literally go four houses down and loop back to my house. I did this over and over and over again. Then one day, my sister learned to ride a bike and she joined me...and then she kept riding...until she passed me. I was no longer the best biker in the family—that title went to my little sister.
If you, like me, have grown up in a Christian home, you know that your faith feels like this bike you’ve always known how to ride. Your bike looks kind of unusual to other people until they get a close look and realize that it’s got super hot stickers, incredible gears, and wicked fast tires.
You’re proud to own and ride this bike...at first.
Repeatedly, we—the always Christians—run into a wall where we question whether or not our bike, or our faith, is our own. For so long, we show it off as the fastest bike in town until we see that others, often half way through their lives, come out of nowhere and learn to ride as well. Then occasionally, we watch as they learn to pedal faster than our legs can pump until they surpass us.
We think to ourselves, “Wait, I have earned this spot in this race, you can’t just jump in!” or, “How is it that I have been riding for so long, but they’re better at riding than I am?”
We get discouraged. We stop pedaling, and then all of a sudden, one day, you look down and see the strange bike that outsiders have seen for so long and it scares you. Is this really the bike that you grew up riding? Do you really own it? Is it yours?
Friends, you are worth so much more than the way you pedal your bike. God never intended that we compare our faith with our brothers and sisters. It is ok that new believers have had their “aha” moments before you have. It’s ok that you struggle to have all of the right answers that you know reach your heart. The truth is that you do not have to understand God’s grace in order to accept it. That’s part of the beauty of God’s love for us. It doesn’t make any sense and you do not have to earn your Father’s love—yes, even you who have worked so hard.
I know when people race past you in what seems like an effortless chase after God, you feel strongly discouraged and impatient with yourself. Don’t worry. Your passion and fire will come if you allow God to continue his unique story in you.
Let me remind you of the story of a man who felt the same way you do. His name was Jonah.
You see, Jonah struggled to understand God’s grace as well—and he was a freaking prophet! He was frustrated that he who had worked for so long, did not get any kind of special grace. He was shocked to find that this same grace that was extended to himself, was also freely extended to an incredibly fallen people.
Jonah was frustrated that these sinful people were surpassing him in his race. He was so frustrated in fact, that he wanted God to kill the Ninevites. Yet God is too gracious for that. No, Jonah did not understand grace, and yes he was quick-tempered, but God had a plan to help him understand.
God has a plan for you too, little cyclist. Be patient with yourself. Don’t pedal so hard just to catch up with the people in front of you. Pedal at your own pace and seek growth. When you do this, you will be surprised at the speed and endurance you have within you.
Here’s my last bit of hope for you guys. The good news is that Christianity is a lot like riding a bike. You can always jump back on wherever you left off because God is just that cool. No matter who passes you, or who falls behind you, God is not comparing your story to anyone else’s. Know that no matter where you are, where you’ve been, or where you’re headed, God’s always waiting with open arms.