Have you ever been in need, looking for help, but found yourself standing alone? Have you needed extra care, but those around you weren’t qualified to give it, fading into the background? We all find ourselves in these situations from time to time, don’t we?

In my ministry work, I often counsel people using this illustration:

Our life in Christ, lived out day-to-day, is like a reverse tricycle. There are two wheels up front, and one in the back. The two guiding wheels are God’s Holy Spirit and His perfect Word. They are truth-filled, authoritative and without error. They will always point us in the right direction to follow God’s will.

The rear wheel is His church. We are to uplift one another, to be support, we are called to bear one another’s burdens. As faithful Christians, we follow the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit and His Word, naturally taking our lead from them.

It’s a simple illustration, but I think it helps us identify where we’re lacking connection, direction or guidance. I tell people, if you’re missing any one of these you’ll find yourself “dragging metal.” Said differently, you’ll feel the resistance that comes from a forced effort.

Remove the Holy Spirit: Human will forces God’s Word.

Remove the Holy Spirit, and you have human will trying to force God’s Word to go where we want it to go. We may be around other Christians, bible in hand, but we’re still trying to plow our own course. It doesn’t work.

Remove God’s Word: Emotions and “spirituality” mislead.

Remove God’s Word, and you have the person who claims to be “Spirit-led” but it’s really their emotions and their “spirituality” (both based in the flesh) that seeks to find their own desired end. Because a person led by the Holy Spirit will desire God’s Word and be subject to His wisdom, law and guidance there.

Again, dragging metal.

Remove the church: Spiritual isolation and disobedience.

Remove the church, and you have yet another form of disobedience that causes resistance. Those who believe they can ‘do church on their own’ or ‘worship God at home, watching YouTube/TV pastors,’ often find themselves spiritually crippled, isolated, and underdeveloped during times of trial and trouble.

It’s more than just Sunday attendance, but actual involvement in the life of the church, serving, study, prayer, worship, sitting under proper teaching, evangelism…the whole enchilada.

There are direct commands in God’s Word that guide us in our obedience before God, and none of them include surrender to our own will. Taking up our cross daily and following Jesus will never lead us to a “pull yourself up by your own bootstraps” form of Christianity. Self-reliance, in this regard, is pride, and idolatry of the self.

Like any human illustration, it’s imperfect. But the idea behind it is clear. If we want to grow in Christ, have the proper supports and be pointed in the right direction, then we need these three elements in our life: His present Holy Spirit, His Word and His people.

It’s beautifully simple. We don’t need to complicate it, even as we so often do. If you’re feeling resistance, if you’re ever “dragging metal” then do an honest check and see if your connection with any one of these three elements is missing. Humbly ask God to correct you, and then pursue His gracious gifts of support.

Go prayerfully check out these passages of Scripture for more insight:
John 14:26 – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher, reinforcing the importance of relying on His direction in our lives​ (BibleGateway)​.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage underscores the authority and sufficiency of Scripture in guiding our lives​ (OpenBible)​.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This emphasizes the importance of community and regular fellowship within the church​ (OpenBible)​.

Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This passage highlights the responsibility of Christians to support and uplift one another, reflecting the church’s role as the rear wheel in the “reverse tricycle” illustration​ (OpenBible)​.

Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This reinforces the guiding power of God’s Word in our daily lives, showing that Scripture provides clear direction and wisdom​ (OpenBible)​.

Feeling resistance in your spiritual journey? Check your connection with God’s Holy Spirit, His Word, and His people. Humbly ask God to guide you and pursue His gracious gifts of support. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and let’s support each other in faith.