Paul the apostle implied we need to challenge our limits, “…become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants…Instead…we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). Growth is normal when following Jesus, but we can’t grow when we’re content with mediocrity, when we cling to our current state. So we push our limits. Move beyond our comfort zones. This week’s post recounts a time I did that: doing an Iron Butt ride, 1,000 miles in 24 hours on two wheels, at the age of 70. But you’re likely not a biker, and think of a ride like that as idiocy. I won’t argue. But that ride gives a metaphor for all who follow or are intrigued with Jesus.
Long ago I amplified a popular line, “If you don’t push your limits, you’ll never learn the true extent of your abilities and motivations and faith.” At 70, I wanted to discover if I was tough enough. If I had the courage. But think of the ride as a metaphor about other issues we need to grow in. Prayer. Forgiveness. Love. Lust. Laziness. A new ministry. Speaking about Jesus. Studying the Bible more. Since none of us do those as we should, we need to extend our limits.
For my early years, fear often drove me, so I played it safe, and fear merely grew. I started to challenge the fears that chained me. And honestly, unless we try to go beyond them, limits limit us to mediocrity. Doing the same old, same old. And never growing into the person God designed us to become. Challenging myself has led to a life beyond my dreams.
But I added a caveat when I created a new life theme: “But if you push them unwisely, you die.” Let’s be real. I’ll never be an All Pro wide receiver in the NFL, no need to show up in spring practice, whenever it begins. Choose a challenge in the realm of possibility, not that of stupidity. I pushed my limits strategically. I figured about how many hours it would take, and I’d done that on a shorter ride just two years before. The kicker: the earlier ride had 400 miles less.
I chose a route of I-15 from Temecula to Dillon MT, the first town over 1,000 miles. A straight road, very little traffic most of the way, a typical speed limit of 80 with most vehicles moving above that. And I promised my wife I wouldn’t sacrifice my life trying to do it. To increase the challenge, I made a room reservation in Dillon, but could have stopped easily in Idaho Falls, 140 miles shorter. I left myself an out.
Yeah, I made it. 1,080 miles in 16.3 hours. I was exhausted. But when I pulled the Honda into the Motel 6 lot, I smiled. And I had a small glimpse of what God has in store for those who trust God and challenge themselves, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Are you ready for some glimpses?
Kick Starting the Application
Think of a time you pushed a limit and it opened a new realm of life. Why did you push? What role did God play? Do you sense an area that God would like you to grow beyond your current limits? If you accept or reject his challenge, what will say about you? How can you do it strategically?