When it's time to let others pull

Any cyclist knows that when you get dropped off the back of a group ride and you lose the pack, your ride becomes significantly more difficult - especially when you are riding into a headwind. There's a reason people ride in packs (and no, contrary to what most drivers believe, it is not to irritate those trying to get somewhere in a hurry). There is absolutely NO WAY you can maintain the same speed/pace/effort. It's called a draft, and the same holds true but to a lesser extent in open water swimming and long distance running. When people take turns "pulling" and then tucking back in after they have spent some time cutting the wind for everyone else, the efficiency of the entire group can improve by as much as 30% vs. everyone going solo expending individual effort against the headwinds. Because of the recognized advantage gained by drafting, most Triathlons do not allow folks to draft - do it more than once and you get DQ'd.

We were never designed by God to face life headwinds on our own. When people struggle with difficult situations and challenging circumstances, and they doubt God's presence in their lives at that time, it's most likely because they have chosen to go through it alone. Going solo into the eye of a storm is a recipe for disaster. God has surrounded us with people who love us, care about us, believe in us, and truly want the best for us. I believe that casting your burdens on Him also involves being vulnerable, transparent, and open with friends and family so that much like in a group ride, they can surround us, cut some of the headwind for us, and see us through to the finish line....Acts 14:22 reminds us,

"Where they helped the believers to grow in love for God and each other. They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations"

While our faith may be strong, there are those times in life when our faith may not be enough to carry us through - but combined with the faith, love, and support of friends and family, our faith becomes stronger, able to withstand that which we once thought impossible to face. So know when to let others pull.....drop back and behind your friends, and let them help carry you with God's strength through to the other side. BELIEVE!