Riding It Out
May 7, 2008
Bible Reading: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ~ St. James 1: 2-4
Bonus Readings: Deuteronomy 4:29-31; St. John 16:33; Romans 5: 3-4; Romans 8:35-40
The time had come; I had to get into better shape. The voice of “Mr. Bill” echoed in my head: “Ooooooh, noooooo!”
Time was, this was no big deal. A few more miles on the bike, some laps in the pool, some time at the gym. No diet; no analgesic. Some measure of discomfort, but not terrible. “Not so fast, Chip,” my body tells me now. “You’re well past the half-century mark. That’s old for an athlete.” And the phrase “over the hill” springs to mind more and more. But I don’t even remember a hill. But I sure remember those aches and pains. Wish there was another way…but…not! I had to choose if I would deal with the pain, or not.
The Apostles and disciples were in the same situation with Jesus, right after the Ascension, as they were on their way to Pentecost. The time had come for them to belly up to what the Lord was calling them to. It was not what they wanted. And it was beyond uncomfortable. They had to punch through the pain and uncertainty. There was no other way.
They had lived those wonderful, miracle-filled three years with Jesus—seeing God’s power—healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and even quieting storms. And there was His teaching—Jesus, face-to-face, giving them the Words of Eternal life, directly, in terms they could grasp. It was so comfortable. So easy. Then—arrest, crucifixion, and His death. Comfort gave way to doubt, fear, and pain.
The Resurrection changed it all again. Suddenly, Light was back. They were comfortable again at Jesus’ feet. But then, He spoke about leaving them—and going to the Father. And what was this Comforter the Master was sending? They weren’t comfortable at all, but were in pain again, as they stood, staring at the cloud He rose into. Why couldn’t things just be comfortable and easy?
This is where the workout began in earnest for the disciples. They had to go way beyond their comfort zone, overcoming trouble by doing what Jesus said—and this time, without His face in front of them. God had become invisible again…mystical…supernatural. Punching through their discomfort, they had to trump the obvious trouble around them to just be still and wait. And the answer came, like a tidal wave, on Pentecost. Then they understood Jesus’ words, “…These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” When they received the Holy Ghost, it’s not that their lives suddenly smoothed out—it was that they were now empowered to deal with them with God’s peace through His supernatural Presence.
It’s been said that this life is not a smooth walk, but an unending series of rodeo rides—times when we hang on and ride the bucking bronco out. Pentecost gave us our gloves and spurs for that ride.
Contemplative Prayer: “Holy Spirit, please show me how to find Your Peace in the trials of life—and equip me for my ride.”
Think about it: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. ~ Galatians 5:21-23 (New King James Version)
All love in the Beloved,
Chip+
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2 Responses to “Riding It Out”
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I could certainly relate to the part about going beyond your comfort zone. That’s what I’m doing on this blog. And with my preachitsis blog. I’ve avoided blogging for as long as I could, but feel called to it. It’s part of the rodeo ride.
A verse I found encouraging:
Romans 8:25 But if we look forward to something we don’t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently.
The apostles had to wait patiently and confidently for Pentecost and the gift of the Holy Spirit. And we wait, learning to be patient and confident, as we look forward to the coming of Christ Jesus.
Janet
Thank you for the comment and the verse, Janet. It is encouraging, and we do need to be reminded to wait “patiently and confidently.”