Photo courtesy of:mindyb233

We were bicyling along the water and enjoying the sunshine.   Although we were on a flat bike trail, we pedaled effortlessly as if we were riding downhill.  When the trail ended, we turned around. 

Up to that point, we had not realized that the wind was behind us until we circled around and biked into it.  What had felt easy suddenly became hard work.  Now our legs strained as they pumped up and down as if we were cycling through mud.

Amazing what a difference changing one's direction can make.

It made me think of times in my life when I wasn't closely following God and listening for the Holy Spirit's leading in my life.  It was an uphill ride.  It was painfully slow as I trodded along thinking I knew best.

I am not saying that following God's will is easy because sometimes it is not.  What I am saying is that (after being in relationship with God for much longer than not) I prefer to follow His leading than go my own way. 

From experience, I prefer to feel the gentle push of the Holy Spirit from behind instead of in opposition to my self-made plans.

I have peace that comes from His presence when I follow Him.  I feel His love.  In that sense, life is easier than when I try to live on my own.

This post was inspired by Jesus' words to Nicodemus (a Pharisee) who came talk to him (see John 3: 1-21).  Jesus compares the Spirit's role in one's spiritual rebirth to the wind.  He tells Nicodemus that he must be born again of God's Spirit in order to enter God's kingdom.

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." John 3:8 NASB

Are you riding with the Spirit in your life or are you fighting against Him?

He longs to ride with you and to guide you into fullness of life with Christ.

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