While on my bike!

Now that Spring’s finally arrived, I’ve been trying to get out on my bike.

There’s a great place to mountain bike in Northwest Calgary, called Nose Hill Park. It’s a park full of rolling hills and trails everywhere! Some of the hills are quite substantial and I must admit, I had to get off my bike a couple of times to get up some of the steeper trails.

But the ride down is a rush!

Yesterday, I realised a leadership connection within cycling as a whole. Specifically, when dealing with trials, tough situations or problems that require multiple actions in order to achieve a desired result. Just like a cyclist facing a huge uphill climb.

It’s all about perseverance!

As Christians, we believe Paul’s words in Romans 5.

“…we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (5:3b-4)

However, sometimes it helps to be able to break down a tough situation in order to persevere through it.

1. When initially faced with difficult circumstances, it can be ominous.

Just like when a cyclist is faced with that long uphill climb. We might have to change gears! This takes wisdom and fore-sight, which God can reveal through prayer. Smaller pieces of the problem will be revealed, in order for us to keep moving forward.

2. Sometimes the hill is just too big. The cyclist must stop and rest, taking in food and water.

Sometimes perseverance means stopping and waiting; finding rest. If the problem and circumstances have become too great, we have to focus on nourishing ourselves and consume God’s word, in order to attempt the struggle once more.

3. Lastly, perseverance may only come through focus.

The cyclist focuses on the goal of cresting the hill, during the climb; or the finish line during tough sections of a race. As Paul wrote in Philippians:

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (3:14)

This is our focus!

So today, whatever trail you face; may God give you wisdom and fore-sight to see smaller pieces of the problem, may you find rest in His word  and prayer.

May you focus on Him as the goal of your perseverance.

Join the Conversation, Share Your Thoughts:

What problem or trial have you struggled through lately? How are you persevering?