I recently did the Rainbow Ride, a local 102.5-mile (165 km) race. It was my first large group ride, and it was awesome! The ride starts with a steep and winding climb, followed by a fast descent, and about 30 miles (50 km) of relatively flat roads.<\/p>\n
I got past the first big climb and descent feeling strong. But there was a problem, a big one.<\/p>\n
I was alone.<\/p>\n
I pedaled hard and fast (for me) and my cycle computer read 22 mph (35 km\/h). My heart rate raced unsustainably high. I knew there was no way I could keep this up for another five hours. I could see a group of 15 cyclists not too far ahead, but they were pulling away fast. No chance of catching them now.<\/p>\n
I struggled on for 15 minutes. Then he showed up.<\/p>\n
Bob.<\/p>\n
I did not know Bob, but when he caught me, he slowed a bit and said, \u201chop on\u201d (translation: \u201cfollow me\u201d) with such a cheery positivity that I immediately obliged.<\/p>\n
Friend, stop struggling alone and get behind the One who is stronger\u2026<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In cycling vernacular, Bob is a \u201cbeast.\u201d He\u2019s big, strong, and fast. He was slower up that first big hill, but the flats were his bread and butter. Suddenly, my heart rate had dropped 40 bpm and <\/i>my speed went up nearly 7 mph (11km\/h).<\/p>\n
Bob changed everything.<\/p>\n
He was stronger, fitter, faster, and more experienced. He plowed ahead merrily while I just held on for the ride. This impossibly long ride suddenly became not only possible, but downright enjoyable<\/i>. <\/i>Cycling inches behind him\u2014drafting<\/i> as it\u2019s called (see \u201cDraft Away, Part 1<\/a>\u201d)\u2014made a world of difference. It\u2019s impossible to appreciate how amazing this technique is until you\u2019ve experienced the relief it brings yourself.<\/p>\n
Bob saved my race.<\/p>\n
And in a very similar way, Jesus saved my life.<\/p>\n
Friend, stop struggling alone and get behind the One who is stronger, fitter, faster, and more experienced than you. Let Him lead out and charge into the wind.<\/p>\n
Life Lesson 1: Remember who the Leader is.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
He says to us\u2014also with an irresistible and cheery positivity\u2014\u201cFollow me!\u201d<\/p>\n
Life Lesson 1: Remember who the Leader is.<\/p>\n
Life Lesson 2: Unlike drafting in cycling, you can never <\/i>get too close to Jesus!<\/p>\n
My own translation: \u201cLet us cycle with patience the race that is set before us, drafting behind Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith\u201d (Hebrews 12:1-2).<\/p>\n
Draft away, child.<\/p>\n