Into a headwind
KNACKERED!
This is the word that best describes how I’m feeling right now.
I’ve just got back from an early morning 15-mile cycle ride that consisted of a horrible headwind for what seemed like most or all of the ride.
I’m not what you would call a fast cyclist. I enjoy my rides and try and get out for two short rides (15 miles) a week with a very occasional longer ride if I have the time. I’m trying to build consistency and to gradually increase the average speed of my rides, but it seems like a constant struggle.
For the cyclists out there who read this, my biggest weakness is my climbs, although to be blunt, I don’t think my weight helps with that. I know my cadence isn’t consistent or fast enough, but my bike computer doesn’t display it so there isn’t anything I can do about that. For now, I will keep going, keep riding and hopefully be able to hit my next target of an average speed of 14 mph at some point in the next few months.
But enough of the boring cycling talk and back to today. I had good company for my ride and was accompanied by my much fitter friend Paul, but today, it was particularly tough. It felt like the wind was blowing against me for the whole ride, although, I know on a circular route, that’s kind of impossible. My legs were like jelly, and my morale was low, but with the help of my friend, I got around the route and collapsed into my kitchen at home, receiving no sympathy from my kids who were having their breakfast.
After I was able to breathe again, I loaded my ride stats onto my computer and checked out what was sure to be a dismal report on my painful ride.
I WAS SHOCKED!
During a large section of the ride, I achieved four personal best times. I couldn’t believe it. Although it felt like the wind was against me, it was actually behind me along that section of road.
In Mark 6:45-52, we read the story of Jesus walking on water. Jesus had sent the disciples in a boat across the sea of Galilee, but the wind was against them. It says in verse 48:
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them.
It certainly felt that, just like the disciples, I was straining throughout my ride.
The disciples were persevering against the wind, they were straining at the oars because the wind was against them. I’m sure their arms felt like jelly, and their morale was low, but they carried on.
If you read on, when Jesus climbed into the boat with them, the wind calmed down.
It might feel to you right now that you're living your life going into the wind. You’re struggling to move forward, and you’re feeling like jelly and that you're not making any headway. Maybe life feels painful and difficult right now.
But I know that Jesus is with you and is spurring you on. When you look back on this period of your life, you will be shocked at how far you have come and what you have achieved.
You will see how God has been with you and has protected you.
At times like this, when it feels like the wind is against me, I like to remember these two scriptures:
Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
If you let Jesus into your boat today, I believe that the wind will die down and life will become that little bit easier.
by Rich Evans