Faith Unleashed: Removing Training Wheels for a Deeper Connection with Christ

Back in December 2023, I sprained my left thumb playing pick-up basketball at an Open Gym sponsored by a local church in our area.

While defending a fellow Randolph-Macon College (RMC) alum, he rifled a pass across the court, and my left hand got in the way. I immediately felt the pain but figured my thumb was just jammed.

Despite the pain, I continued playing, attempting to shake off the pain, literally. Whoever coined the phrase, “It’s all right, just shake it off,” clearly was not in pain at the time.

Throughout the game, I continued losing strength in my hand, but I did hit the game-winning 3-pointer!

However, it was during the next game that I realized how badly I was hurt. Calling it a night, I went home to take care of it. I iced it. I massaged it. I took some meds. I even wrapped it with a bandage.

The next morning, my hand was swollen, and a bruise covered my entire palm. I knew I had to go get it looked at.

The diagnosis: a sprained thumb and being put in a giant thumb brace that covered my entire forearm.

Fast forward to this past week.

After my second follow-up appointment, my doctor informed me that I only need to wear a smaller brace during strenuous activities. He said, “It is time to take the training wheels off. Your body will let you know what you can and can’t do.”

And that statement has stayed with me ever since.

It reminds me of 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verse 2: “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready.”

In this section of Paul’s letter, he explains why he taught them what he did. When he first met them, he couldn’t teach them deep things. He had to teach them the basics. They weren’t ready for the hard stuff.

Similarly, Jesus explained in various conversations that if people did not accept what was being done right in front of them or if they didn’t understand his teachings built around earthly illustrations there was no way they could understand heavenly things.

As Christians, and maybe some of you who are wrestling with faith, we can get caught up with deep stuff. And at some point, the training wheels have to come off. But only when you are ready.

Maybe you are young in your relationship with Christ and still need the training wheels for safety and security as you grow.

Maybe you are a seasoned Christian, confidently pedaling without those training wheels.

Then there’s a third group - those ready for the training wheels to come off but hesitating due to feelings of inadequacy or fear. You might think you don’t know enough, haven’t been through the class, or haven’t shared your faith before. You feel unprepared.

The reality may be that it’s time for the training wheels need to come off.

My brace had to come off. I was healing. I was ready. Continuing to wear it could affect the mobility and strength of my thumb and wrist. It was time.

It may be time for your training wheels to come off.

Trust that the Holy Spirit, The Great Counselor, will guide you and provide what you need.

Let’s shake off the training wheels of faith and dive into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Christ starting today.

Anyway, I was just thinking…