Walking by Faith One Day at a TimeSample

Roller Coaster of Life

At a local amusement park, two roller coasters race side by side in a desperate dash for the finish.

When the ride first opened over forty years ago, it was designed to have two forward moving coasters. But after innovative rides came on the scene with more thrilling attractions, a change was made, one of the twin coasters would barrel down the track backwards.

Waiting to take the challenge for the first time, I could feel my stomach twisting itself into knots. I wanted to conquer my fear of riding a roller coaster backwards at breakneck speed, but how could I prepare myself for each plunge, twist, and turn when I couldn't see where I was going? I was at the mercy of the unknown. The thought of experiencing this thrill ride backwards awakened in me both excitement and trepidation.

Being young has its advantages. The promise of adventure outweighed common sense. With my heart thumping wildly in my chest, all I could do was hope and pray the person who engineered the ride knew what he was doing.

Faith is kind of like that backwards roller coaster. We can't always see where we are going to adequately prepare for what comes next in life, but as long as we have faith, we don't need to. All we really need is a trustworthy Engineer who is able to keep us on the track during life's challenging ups and downs.

God sees every detail of our lives long before we get there. We don't need to see, we just need to trust.

Life is a wild ride. I don't know about you, but I'm keeping my eyes fixed on the One who monitors every plunge, twist, and turn of my life.

Life Application

Think of a time when you lost complete control over a situation and as a result, had to rely on God to get you through. What did that experience teach you about the character of God, and how will you apply the lessons learned then to future challenges?

Prayer

Lord, I'm so thankful that you are a trustworthy Engineer. You gave me this life, and you have a plan and purpose for it. You are with me, guiding, encouraging, and developing my faith. With each twist and turn, help me to remember that you know what's next, and you will give me what I need when I get there. Amen.