Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. In this season, we intentionally take time to reflect on the greatest love ever known through the greatest sacrifice ever given. God's great love for us evidenced in the death of His only Son—for us. This is a time when we often speak of giving up something, as a way of acknowledging God giving Himself up for us in Christ. From a spiritual stand point, what God invites and encourages us to give up more than anything else is ourselves, to relinquish control of our lives so He truly can be Lord.

The following devotion is one I have found quite meaningful:

When I met Christ it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.

I don't know just when it was that He suggested 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 to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"

I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust.

I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure. And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance, and joy. He said, "Give the gifts away." So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light. I did not trust Him, at first, 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 strongest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus Christ.

And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says... ”Pedal."

Welcome to a journey of surrender.

-Author Unknown