The Roller Coaster Ride
Posted on December 8, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call
I have never enjoyed amusement parks and if I had to take my children or go with friends I definitely avoided the roller coaster rides. I like a ride called the Spider. It was nice and slow with only a few lifts and dips. That’s how I enjoy life, too. Just a few lifts and dips…nothing extreme. But that’s not reality, is it?
Over the last few months we have been navigating a path we have never been on before. Once again we are in a place where we are facing challenges that make our stomachs sink with each twist and turn. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride. One day there is good news and the ride takes an upward turn. The next day there is a curve we didn’t see coming and we travel down at lightning speed.
How do you and I hold on and know that the ride will eventually come to a conclusion? Trust. Those of us who get on those rides at amusement parks trust the one conducting the ride. You never speak to them, ask how long they have been operating the ride, or challenge their capabilities to start, execute and stop the ride at just the right time. When life starts to become a roller coaster ride I start to ask the Conductor a lot of questions. Do you know what You are doing? Why are You making the ride take this turn? Are You really in control? Will I survive?
As we go along the roller coaster ride of life we must trust that God is in control and sees the beginning from the end. He not only sovereignly allows us to get on the ride but He rides with us and stays close to calm our fears and reassures us of His presence. He knows what is ahead even if we aren’t expecting it. He knows how long it will take until the ride comes to an end.
Do you trust Him today in the midst of the twists and turns? When things seem to speed up and feel out of control do you trust Him? When your heart and stomach cry out for the ride to stop do you trust Him?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14
Blessings,
Kathy
Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves as Director of Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 30 years. They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and teaches a Bible Study for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.