We took our kids to the Six Flags Great America theme park recently to let them experience roller coasters and other fun rides. In the car on the way there I confessed to my husband that I wasn’t too excited about going. Honestly, I was super scared. I prayed the whole time that God would help me make it through the day. To my surprise my husband admitted he wasn’t too crazy about going either. We both knew our kids were very excited and we didn’t want to ruin it for them. We must be getting older now because the thrill of roller coasters wasn’t appealing to us anymore. We don’t enjoy taking the steep drops, corkscrew turns or upside down loops like we used to when we were younger and dating.
Life is unpredictable. We can’t always be certain of what is going to happen next. It sometimes feels like you’re on a roller coaster. It takes curvy twists and turns. It makes you go backwards or spins you upside down on your head. It takes steep long drops that make you scream in fear and delight all at the same time. When it is over with, you feel grateful to be done and alive. You wouldn’t want to miss the thrill of the ride, but you are glad it’s behind you.
Only God can take the craziness of life — the unpredictable twists and turns, drops and climbs — and turn it into a thrilling ride. At times I may feel afraid or confused or surprised on this roller coaster called life. But looking back I can see God faithfully riding beside me the whole time, even when I was not aware of His presence. He didn’t always tell me what was going to happen next. He didn’t always explain or make sense of everything in the moment. But He was always there. He never left my side. He never gave up on me even when I felt like getting off the ride.
I may not see what’s ahead or around the corner. But I can trust God, the One who built and designed me for the ride.
I can trust God because I have seen the evidence of Him working in my life. He has a proven track record with me. I know He hears and answers my prayers. I know He cares for me and wants what is best for me. I know He forgives me and puts me back on the right track after taking a wrong turn. I know I can trust Him. I have experienced Him in my life. He is 100% faithful in taking care of me and providing for my needs. In a world where everything is unpredictable, I’m glad I can count on God to never change.
Even though I sometimes wince at the twists or turns in this journey called life, I’m glad God lets me experience the thrills of the ride. I wouldn’t want to get to the end of my life and think the Ferris Wheel or Carousel which only take you around in circles was all there was to life. I am grateful for the thrill and unpredictability of life’s roller coasters. It always provides unexpected surprises at just the right moments. I get a front row seat to watch God up close at work in my life.
As I look ahead to the twists and turns before me, I quietly remind myself, “God knows what He is doing. I can trust Him.” And then I buckle up and get ready for the ride.
The Bible for Today:
God has it all planned out. He knows what you want and how to get you there.
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out — plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” (Jeremiah 29:11, The Message)
You are not alone. God knows your situation. He understands your fears. Nothing catches Him off guard.
But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place…the One who got you started: ‘Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God…. I paid a huge price for you! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back…. So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.’ ” (Isaiah 43:1-5a, The Message)
