What a ride!

What would a roller-coaster ride be without the rise and fall of the track; the sudden turns, quick slowdowns and stops, even loops and twists? I guess without those things it would become nothing more than a train ride across a level plane; regardless of how fast, the ride it would get boring and tedious quickly.

Life can be a lot like a roller-coaster; lots of ups and downs, surprises around every turn. In one moment you can enjoy the thrill of the ride, and the next you are overcome by fear or sorrow wishing the ride would end. Sometimes it’s enough to make you sick! How should we handle the unexpected twists and turns of life?

• [2] Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. [3] You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors.
  James 1:2-3 (MsgB)

I find it interesting that James does not say “if” trials and hardship come our way, but “when” they come. James knew that life would be filled with the unexpected, so he challenged us to view our difficulties with “pure joy,”* as a gift and not a burden. While James never had the chance to ride a roller-coaster, I’m sure he would have told us to enjoy the ride of life!

Why should we enjoy the ride? The roller-coaster of life forces our faith to grow. When the unexpected happens the “true colors” of our faith are revealed. No more pretending; trials show our faith for what it really is. Therefore “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”* Through the sudden twists and turns of life our faith grows stronger—the colors get brighter. That’s why challenges are an opportunity for joy.

Last year I finally overcame my fear of the “X-flight.” It’s a roller-coaster that starts you out lying on your back. As you go up the first hill all you can see is blue sky. Suddenly the track turns you over as you race down the first hill. It’s as though you are falling to the ground with nothing to catch you. When the ride ended I unlatched the safety harness and walked away with a smile; I was still excited by the ride and ready for the next.

Learn to enjoy the ride of life. Don’t fear or regret the swift changes that come unexpectedly; God puts them on the ride so we can grow stronger. And when this ride is over we can smile as we walk through the gates of heaven anticipating what comes next.
* NIV