Some of you may know that I enjoy cycling in my spare time. However, I might be known as a “fair weather” cyclist. The night before and again on the morning of a planned ride I study the weather forecast for the precipitation risk and wind speeds.
Having satisfied myself that all looked set fair I set off on a familiar short circular route. However, I had not gone far when I could tell something was wrong with my pedals.
For those who are unaware, many cyclists wear cleats which clip their shoes to their pedals. This means that you can get power not only when you push down on the pedal but also when you pull up.
Once I had pedalled my wobbly way up a hill I got off my bike and examined the cleats on my shoes. There was the culprit. One of the cleats had come loose and so was not “engaging” correctly with the pedal, hence the loss of power – rather than simply a lack of fitness!
Fortunately, I travel prepared for minor mishaps, – punctures and the like, and had a bike tool with me. The offending shoe was removed and the cleat tightened. I was soon back on my bike, speeding along the Suffolk lanes.
In our faith, do we sometimes come “unclipped?” Do we sometimes try and make do, when the wiser thing would be to stop, seek God’s guidance to put us right? Do we remember that God’s grace is freely given, his Holy Spirit can reconnect us, and we can speed along the country lanes in His renewing power?
Prayer: Forgiving Father, loving Jesus, empowering Spirit, we are sorry when we wobble in our faith. Help us to seek out your guidance and travel along our faith journey securely connected to your Holy Spirit. AMEN