On the morning of Veronica Foley’s funeral, I was sitting having my prayer time with a cup of tea when the Lord gave me a picture of a racing bike.
I am familiar with cycle racing as I have a daughter who is a semi-professional triathlete, and we often talk about the strategies of races she has cycled in. There is the person out the front of the lead pack who is the pace setter in a long race, and they remain there in first position for a portion of the race and then drop back to give themselves a rest to preserve their energy. They drop back but do not drop out.
At this point the second cyclist takes the lead and sets the pace. That person will also lead for a portion of the race and drop back but not out of the race. All the while this front bunch of riders are challenging each other and supporting each other to stay in the lead pack, and the gap often widens between them and the other riders. I am sure you are all familiar with this.
There are lessons to learn from this. Firstly, there are times when we must drop back from some of the commitments in our Christian walk and Community service, but that does not mean that we ‘drop out’. We of course keep up our prayer life and stay connected with our brothers and sisters living the life we have committed ourselves to.
Yes, we must stay with the group, not only for our own benefit but also for the others in the race. We support the person at the front leading us, so that they will lead effectively but also that the others will be encouraged to give of their best. Our prayers and our actions are vital in encouraging the other brothers and sisters.
We are called to ‘such a time as this’. The Lord has placed us in this part of history and the times are geƫting darker and harder. It is therefore so much more important that we support each other, pray for each other and encourage each other. That we keep an eye out for those who are struggling and work to keep them in the group, so they don’t drop back. None of us wants to be a victim of the enemy’s attacks.
It is at this point that I am reminded of Veronica who was a wonderful example of one who leads. She lived her life with health issues which at times prevented her from giving 100%, but this did not deter her from living the ‘call’ on her life. She led those of us who were on the Lamb of God National Women’s Leadership team with love and encouragement, always with a listening ear and positive advice, generous with her time. Veronica laid down her own life, even though at times she did not feel adequate for her leadership role, so that others would be blessed. We have an amazing example to follow from this daughter of the King of Kings. Thank you, Veronica.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great crowd of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders, and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Top image credit: Photo of cycling racers, from Bigstock.com, © by Tim, stock photo ID: 3023. Used with permission.
Thank you Karen, for your wise words and a good reminder to look out for the one that might be dropping back a bit. Veronica surely was one who laid down her life in the service of others, she was a great encourager and we all felt the benefit of that.