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In this month's brief "sound-bite", Matt Summerfield kicks of 2011 with a great story about why it’s important for us to never lose hope and keep on, keeping on.

Why not watch this video with your co-leaders this month and then spend some time chewing over the following questions:

• Take some time to share any stories that you have that will build each other’s faith, where you’ve seen God work – perhaps after many years of hoping.
• Read Philippians 3:10-14, Hebrews 10:19-25 and Hebrews 12:1-2. Draw out as many encouragements and challenges from these passages about the importance of persevering.
• Read the following anonymous story, perhaps encouraging everyone to close their eyes and meditate on the story…
  
  At first, I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping track of the things I did wrong, so as to know whether I merited heaven or hell when I die.  He was out there, sort of like a president.  I recognized His picture when I saw it, but I really didn't know Him.
  
  But later on when I met Christ, it seemed as though life were rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike and I noticed that Christ was in the back helping me pedal.
  
  I don't know just when it was that He suggested we changed places, but life has not been the same since.
  
  When I had control.  I knew the way.  It was rather boring, but predictable...It was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful long cuts, up mountains, and through rocky places at breakneck speeds, it was all I could do to hang on!!  Even though it looked like madness, He said, "Pedal!"  I worried and was anxious and asked, "Where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer, and I started to learn to trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into the adventure.  And when I'd say, "I'm scared," He'd lean back and touch my hand.   He took me to people with gifts that I needed, gifts of healing, acceptance and joy.  They gave me their gifts to take on my journey, my Lord's and mine.
  
  And we were off again.  He said, "Give the gifts away; they're extra baggage, too much weight."  So I did, to the people we met, and I found that in giving I received, and still our burden was light.
  
  I did not trust Him, at first, in control of my life.  I thought He'd wreck it; but He knows bike secrets, knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jumps to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages.
  
  And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I'm beginning to enjoy the cool breeze on my face with my delightful constant companion, Christ.
  
  And when I'm sure I just can't do anymore, He just smiles and says..."Pedal."
  
  Author Unknown
  
  
• Be honest with each other about where you need to persevere more and then take time to pray. Keep cheering each other on in these areas throughout the year.

If you would like to respond to Matt's message you can do so by emailing him: Email Matt Summerfield