Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In scripture, there are a number of examples of men and women who did great things, unfathomable even, under the direction and guidance of God. One of them was the Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah was appointed by God to be a prophet. In fact, before he was even formed in his mother’s womb, scripture reveals that God had already set him apart for this purpose.

When this plan was revealed to him, he resisted the call and doubted his ability reasoning that he was only a child and did not know how to speak. However, God assured Jeremiah that He would be with him and that He would give him the words to say and God did exactly as He had promised.

What other examples come to your mind?

I am fully convinced that Jeremiah lived His life to its fullest potential as he did exactly what God had carefully planned for his life. Imagine if Jeremiah had resisted God’s call and decided to do something else. Would he have lived his life to its fullest potential? I don’t think so.

I was introduced to a poem some time ago which really inspired me and is entitled- A tandem ride with God. It reminds me constantly that there is no better place to be than where God wants me to be. No better calling, than the one that God has placed upon my life.

God will do mighty works through us too and like Jeremiah, write pages in our lives that we would not have thought possible.  When these opportunities are presented to us, though unworthy or unqualified we may feel, we have to trust that He will help us too. We are in good hands.

A Tandem Ride With God

I used to think of God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die. He was out there, sort of like a President. I recognised His picture when I saw it, but I didn’t really know Him.

But later on, when I met Jesus, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that Jesus was in the back helping me pedal. I didn’t know just when it was He suggested we change, but life has not been the same since I took the back-seat to Jesus, my Lord. He makes life exciting. When I had control, I thought I knew the way. It was rather boring, but predictable. It was the shortest distance between two points.

But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places and at break-through speeds; it was all I could do to hang on! Even though it often looked like madness, He said, “Pedal!” I was worried and anxious and asked, “Where are you taking me?” He laughed and didn’t answer and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I’d say, “I’m scared”, He’d lean back and touch my hand.

He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy. They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, our journey, my Lord’s and mine. And we were off again. He said, “Give the gifts away; they’re extra baggage, too much weight.” So I did, to the people we met, and I found in giving I received, and still our burden was light.

I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life. I thought He’d wreck it, but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I’m beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Jesus.

And when I’ sure I just can’t do anymore, He just smiles and says… “Pedal.”