Life’s Unstable Moments

I've never liked them and have only rode a couple and then only because someone I loved encouraged me.
 

With names like Thunder Road, Mindbender, Avalanche Run and Afterburn, roller coasters frighten me. In fact almost all rides at fairs and amusement parks send my stomach reeling and for that reason I've made a lifetime habit of avoiding most of them; roller coasters particularly. Sudden starts and deep drops, turning upside down and fast speeds make me uneasy.
 

Yet I've discovered my life is not much different than what I despise about rides. I move forward only to be thrust backwards. My mountains of joy and peace are interrupted by valleys of doubt, despair and tragedy. Life can unexpectedly be flipped upside down without warning.
 

Jesus may have been God's Son but this didn't remove instability from his short life either. He listened to news of his good friend's murder. He multiplied fish and bread and fed many who misunderstood him and would later call for his death. Shortly thereafter he had to resurrect the faith of his closest followers. But the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it (Matthew 4:24 NIV).
 

Jesus sent his followers into the instability of a storm, but he didn't leave them helpless. He went to them walking on the water. When they cried out thinking he was a ghost he assured them he wasn’t and they need not fear.
 

Jesus has introduced quite a few instabilities into my life and sometimes I respond like the disciples. I try to handle them myself, attempt to manipulate the circumstances, succumb to fear, and get overwhelmed by anxiety.
 

Peter was the only one who made the right choice; he went to Jesus. And though his faith faltered it was pointed in the right direction.
 

Life will be unstable, but we can choose our response. Fear, worry, and anxiety only intensify the instability. Jesus invites us to come to him and fear not.
 

Prayer: Lord we admit we don't always respond correctly to our instabilities. Enable us to trust You when life throws us a curve. www.lovelinesfromgod.com