GREATER: 5 Days of Inspiration to Increase Your Faithಮಾದರಿ

DAY 2 - TESTED TO BE TRUSTED

My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.

— James 1:2

The 2.7-mile ascent on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway to the 10,378-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains is the America's longest aerial passenger ride. It takes 15 minutes to get to the top. It’s located just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We took the tram on New Year’s Eve and then had dinner at the Ten 3 restaurant. One of the highest fine dining restaurants in the world. Looking out the windows was an 11,000 square mile view and the colors at sunset were stunning.

But just one year ago it was a very different night. A little before 10:00pm, 19 Ten 3 employees and 2 tramway workers headed down the mountain to celebrate 2022. But then near the second tower the two cars stopped.

They were stranded. The wind swayed the car like a playground swing. Hours went by with no movement. The countdown to 2022 became a countdown until their rescue.

There was a speaker in the car so they could communicate with the tramway system.

The temperatures dropped into the mid-20’s. The passengers retrieved emergency blankets stored in the car. And rationed out Life Saver gummies, hard pretzels and six bottles of water. They waited for 12 hours to be rescued.

A team from New Mexico Search and Rescue arrived on scene and began the more than four-hour hike in treacherous conditions up steep terrain. The cars had stopped when wind and ice caused an emergency cable to cross over another cable, preventing the tram cars from reaching their destination.

Rescuers had to get to a tower, climb to the tram and lower people to safety. Then they hiked about 100 yards to a landing site where a helicopter brought them to safety. The passengers were thrilled to be safe, but it was not how they had hoped to bring in the new year.

James 1:2 tells us, “My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble.” God uses challenging situations to facilitate a greater level of blessing. He has something greater for you, but you must go through a battle to seize it. See challenges as opportunities for growth.

How you respond to these moments shapes your influence, shapes your progress, shapes your path. You are being tested to be trusted. What on the surface appears to be a struggle, hardship, or trial is paving the way for something greater.

It’s not easy. It may not be what you expected. But the challenge builds character, fosters humility, develops strength and brings you to a new level in your life.