Riding with God: Why Spiritual Training Wheels Are a Lifelong Necessity

Ashton, my almost-four-year-old middle grandson, is learning to ride his bike. Instead of using training wheels, he’s diving headfirst into the challenge on a balance bike and relying on grit, determination, and more than a few scraped knees. Watching him push forward, wobbly but fearless, reminded me of my own walk with Christ. While Ashton rejected the extra support, those little wheels exist for a reason: they help provide stability while learning.

Why We Need Training Wheels in Faith

Recently the boys headed to the BMX center, and Ashton agreed to training wheels. They give him confidence on the hills and turns. They allow him to try something new without fear of falling. Likewise, our faith journey requires constant reliance on God. Too often, we assume we’ve got life figured out, declaring, “I’ve got this!” Yet, stepping out without His guidance often leaves us wobbling or tumbling over life’s unexpected bumps.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God doesn’t ask us to “graduate” from relying on Him. Instead, He invites us to trust Him completely, leaning into His support at every turn.

Life’s Bumps Require God’s Support

Ashton trusts his training wheels to catch him if he leans too far. Similarly, God’s support is there when life’s unexpected challenges arise. Health crises, financial struggles, or broken relationships can knock us off balance. But when we rely on Him, we experience His faithfulness and steadiness.

As Isaiah 41:10 says:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

A Reminder of Our True Goal

We’re all in training to become more like Christ. Perfect balance and independence won’t come this side of heaven. But the good news? God doesn’t expect us to do this alone.

By keeping our spiritual training wheels firmly attached, we demonstrate our need for Him and grow in faith. Ashton’s journey to master bike riding reminds me that I’ll always need God’s stabilizing presence, whether life feels smooth or bumpy.

So, where are you on your spiritual ride? Are you gripping the handlebars tightly, convinced you’ve got it under control, or are you leaning on God, trusting His guidance? Remember, keeping those training wheels isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a declaration of faith.

Check out Desire of My Heart to explore trusting God and seeing faith in action. This story beautifully weaves Christian principles into heartfelt fiction, inspiring readers to lean into God’s provision and grace.

Staying Balanced: Practical Ways to Keep God as Your Guide

1. Begin Your Day with Prayer
   Ask God to guide your path before you “ride” into your day. A simple prayer of surrender, like “Lord, help me trust You today,” can shift your mindset from self-reliance to God-dependence.
2. Daily Scripture Reading
   Just as training wheels stabilize a bike, God’s Word stabilizes our hearts. Dive into Scripture to ground yourself in truth. Consider starting with passages like Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
3. Embrace Christian Community
   Surround yourself with others who are also leaning on God. Their encouragement and accountability will act as added support on your spiritual journey.

Let’s keep riding with God. Training wheels and all.

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