Drafting: Finding Safety and Strength in Following Others' Example
A Cycling Devotional
One of the most fundamental cycling techniques is drafting – riding closely behind another rider so you benefit from the reduced wind resistance. The rider in front does the work of breaking the wind. The rider behind gets an easier ride. It's one of the most efficient techniques in cycling.
But here's the key: to draft effectively, you have to be close. You have to follow. You have to trust that the rider ahead knows the route and the pace. You surrender some independence to gain significant advantage.
Spiritually, this is discipleship.
Discipleship is about finding someone further along in faith and following closely. Learning from their example. Being shaped by their presence and teaching. Drafting spiritually.
Matthew 4:19 records Jesus saying: "Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people."
Follow me. Drafting. Close proximity. Learning from example.
1 Corinthians 11:1 says: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
Paul invites people to draft behind him. To follow his example. Because he's following Jesus's example.
Hebrews 12:1-2 says: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Fix your eyes on Jesus. Draft behind Him. Follow His example.
Proverbs 13:20 says: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
Walk with the wise. Draft behind them. You become wise through proximity and following.
The problem is, most Christians try to ride solo. They don't want to follow anyone. They want independence. But solo riders work harder and get less reward. Riders who draft smart gain incredible advantage. They go faster with less effort because they're learning from someone ahead.
Tomorrow's Practice: Identify one person further along in faith who you could draft behind. Someone whose example you want to follow. This week, spend intentional time with them. Ask questions. Listen. Learn. Allow yourself to be shaped by proximity and example. That's how growth really happens.
Reflection Question: Do you have spiritual mentors or examples you're actively following and learning from, or are you trying to make the journey solo?