The Roller Coaster of Life

Our Lives are like roller coasters; with the sudden ups and downs of our journey. One moment you’re up, the next you’re down. Unless you know the roller coaster well, you might not even know what the next turn might bring.
Can you imagine how much faith we have in the mechanics of a roller coaster to take us safely to the end?
You’ve probably guessed by now that we recently visited an amusement park. But I knew long before we arrived there that I wanted to write a blog post about this, it just happened to fit perfectly in place!
Have you been on a roller coaster recently? 
We put all our trust into the mechanics of the roller coaster, maybe without even thinking about it!
When was the last time we trusted God so easily?
Life might be going along well, just like the smooth ride of the coaster, but then it takes a sudden dip, causing your trust to be shaken.
How do we make sure our trust stays in God? How do we make certain that every step of the way, every inch bringing us closer to the finish line, is made while fully trusting Him, giving Him all our concerns and frustrations?

Well, here a few ways that might help:

Look at trials with the right perspective
 
I recently read a quote that went something along the lines of, “if we truly believe the Lord and are trusting Him fully, we will begin to see conflicts not as accidents, but as assignments.” 
Because of that, if we’re having the right perspective every trial and tribulation that comes our way will be viewed as the next big project and test we must pass.
We can tackle the load of dirty dishes with a resolve to “pass the test” and not give in to a complaining attitude.
When someone hurts our feelings, or a harsh word is sent our way, we’ll see it as another test to pass, and not give into the temptation to build walls of bitterness and self-hurt.
 
Rejoice amid tribulation  

James tells us in James 1:2-3, that we must, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”
James reminds us that joy can even be found during trials, during the “ups and downs of life.”
 
Hold to His promises and never let go

In my devotional, Hidden Treasures, I delve deeper into the process of “holding to His promises.” But for now, I’ll just remind you that there are approximately 5,000 (according to one man’s count) promises that the Lord has made to us. And guess what? He’s kept every single one.
Here are a few promises to dwell upon during trials and temptations:
 
2 Corinthians 4:8-9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
 
 
Proverbs 3:4-6
“Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
 
 
Philippians 4:12-13
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
 
 
John 14:27-28
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.”
 
 
Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”
 
 
So what do we do when we find ourselves on another hectic roller coaster of life?
 

1. Count it all joy
2. Consider trials as assignments, not accidents
3. Trust fully in Him and remember His promises
4. Hold to His promises and never let go

 
Are you holding to His promises?

Let’s endeavor to do something this week; let’s take each trial one step at a time. Let’s remember to take His promises and hold on to them tightly.

And remember this, out of the many thousands of promises He’s made…He’s kept every single one.