There was a movie in the late 80's titled Parenthood with Steve Martin that had a quote about roller coasters that stuck with me. "Grandma" said "You know, when I was nineteen, Grandpa took me on a roller coaster. Up, down, up, down. Oh, what a ride! I always wanted to go again. You know, it was just so interesting to me that a ride could make me so frightened, so scared, so sick, so excited, and so thrilled all together! Some didn't like it. They went on the merry-go-round. That just goes around. Nothing. I like the roller coaster. You get more out of it."
In the movie this 'grandma' related the roller coaster ride to life. I'm sure that's why it stuck with me. It is interesting to me that life can be either like a 'roller coaster' or a 'merry-go-round'. I have never liked roller coasters--it made me frightened, sick, scared, excited all at the same time--it was overwhelming to me. As I've grown spiritually I have truly learned to appreciate and enjoy the ride. This past weekend I had many ups and downs all with God right beside me. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
In Psalm 119:105 it says, your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Whether I'm on the uphill part of the ride (which is exciting & thrilling) or downhill (frightening & scary) I know that God wil direct my steps if I stay focused on Him.
I am also reminded that as we have those 'spiritual high' moments at the top of the coaster that we will have moments of coming back down. I can only imagine how Moses must have felt on the mountain top speaking to God and then come back down to the rebellious Israelites.
I have also learned that when we are on those 'high mountain tops' in the presence of God that the enemy fully intends to divert our attention by throwing firey darts at us. Ephesians 6:16 says, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. I Peter 5:8 says, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Ephesians 6:10-18 tells us how to combat the downward ride with its' frightening and fearful moments.
Praise God for the highs and the lows and remember that His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3
I'm going to ride the roller coaster and love it!
