Cochrane Alliance Church

Over the past couple weeks I have spent a lot of time on the bike—unfortunately the indoor kind that stays in one place and doesn’t provide much exposure to the countryside. I suppose that’s the price we pay for living in Canada.

Maybe I’m just not tough enough. The hardcore cyclists would argue that you can ride all-year-round in Calgary as long as you have the right clothing and equipment. They’re probably right. I’m not tough enough.

What I’ve noticed lately is that all the time on the stationary this winter has led to some noticeable gains in fitness. Compared to a few months ago, I can push a much higher gear for a much longer time.  While that’s encouraging, it doesn’t feel any easier than it used to. I suppose if I went back to my old pace and gear-levels, I might feel as though I was Lance Armstrong. But so long as I keep turning up the tension and extending the length of my workouts, it always feels like I am working about as hard as I can.

I think this begs a spiritual comparison (I’m sorry, it’s what pastors do). I used to think that when I got “maturer” it would just be easier to be a Christian. In my line of thinking, the Billy Graham’s of the world find leading, persevering, resisting temptation, etc so straightforward and natural. I’m beginning to think I was wrong.

I suspect that the spiritual giants of the world feel as though following Jesus is just as challenging as ever. Sure, they are able to weather leadership crises that I could only dream of. They have stamina far beyond my beginner level. Yet the challenges God has placed before them REQUIRES that kind spiritual strength and endurance. And so I suspect they feel just as challenged as ever. God will not let them be tempted beyond what you can bear, but they can bear a lot.

Just to double-check my hypothesis, I scanned through 2 Timothy—a letter composed by Paul late in his life. Sure enough, it doesn’t sound as though the old Apostle is coasting. Phrases like,  “That is why I am suffering as I am,” and  “I am already being poured out like a drink offering,” tipped me off. Facing inevitable martyrdom must have been an incredible stretch for Paul’s faith. Good thing he put in the workouts beforehand.