When You Can’t Do It On Your Own

Yesterday marked a monumental moment for my son.

His training wheels came off the bike for the first time. This excited mama had the camera in hand, ready to snap endless photos of him riding up and down the street.

But when the moment came, fear crept in. I could tell my son wanted to let go and peddle, but when my husband removed his hand, Jaden’s feet came down. He needed to make sure the ground was still there.

He had the ability, but he was afraid to move forward.

As I stood there watching, I realized how alike my son and I are. So often, I know what I’m supposed to do and receive affirmation of God’s call, but I freeze.

He calls me to be a witness, but I doubt my ability and fail to seize an opportunity.

He calls me to speak, but I think someone else is more qualified, so I don’t.

He calls me to mother, but there are days when I go on autopilot instead of being fully engaged with my boys.

Yet despite all of my weakness and my endless excuses, God continues to use me. He is loving and patient, and his compassion never fails.

The more I trust in his divine grace and his ability instead of my own, the more I realize this: Faith is a lot like instinct. Until we take that first step of obedience, we won’t see the Holy Spirit’s power working in us.

In the same way my son can’t use his bike riding instincts until he simply lets go and starts peddling, I won’t see God’s power until I move forward in faith.

David faced the giant, Goliath, and he saw God take down his enemy when he fought him, but not until. Peter walked on water when he stepped out of the boat and trusted God, but not until.

Sometimes we have to face the mountain before we see God’s ability to move it.

When we embrace our weakness and inability to do it on our own, his strength carries us.

I want to raise boys who take risks for God and trust him even when the road isn’t easy. My greatest desire is for them to follow him with their heart, soul and mind, but I must lead by example.

After school today, my son is going to get on the bike and try again. He could not stop talking about it as we waited for the bus this morning. I’m confident he’ll keep peddling, because he knows his feet will carry him.

That’s the beauty of this grace walk we take each day. His mercies are new each day and he’s waiting for us to jump on the ride of faith, confident in his power to move us forward.

Will you trust his ability to guide you through unknown waters today? He’s waiting to take you on an adventure far beyond your wildest dreams.

 

*Linking up with Suzie Eller’s #LiveFreeThursday to encourage and be encouraged. Come join us.