Riding The Roller-Coaster Together!

 

Life is a 'mixed bag.'  

I'm amazed, however, how many of us think otherwise.  Translated:  we still assume life can be predictable without challenge and jumbled feelings. But that’s not life.  Rather life is a roller-coaster of ‘ups and downs,’ of ‘faith and doubt’ -- of mixed reality.  

And so God counsels:  accept it; face into the ‘mixed bag’ of life. In fact, God counsels in James 1: consider it pure joy when you encounter the ‘mixed bag’ of life, even the trials of life.  “…Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance [which results in you becoming] mature and complete…”  (James 1:2-4).

But frankly, you can only persevere if we have companions; translated:  you can’t ride the roller-coaster alone!  And so a major task of the church is queuing up folks to ride the roller coaster together, to do life together, no matter the ‘highs and lows’ of life.  

William White tells of a seminary professor named Hans devastated by the death of his wife.  Why Hans was so devastated he lost his appetite, not wanting to leave his house. Well with that, four of Hans professor buddies went to Hans house, discovering Hans was not only not eating, Hans was not believing:  "I’m no longer able to pray” Hans said. “I’m not certain I believe in God any more." Well, at first, Han’s buddies were stunned; but then one of them spoke up:  “Well then Hans: we’ll believe for you, we’ll pray for you!"  And sure enough Han’s buddies did just that, meeting daily with Hans, asking God to restore his faith.   Well about eight months later, Han’s buddies went to pray with Hans as usual.  But Hans stopped them.  "It’s no longer necessary for you to pray for me.”  Hans said with a smile.  “Today I’d like for you to pray with me.”  

        

That's what happens when we ride the roller coaster together; we become stronger than ever!  Listen:  it’s tempting in the ‘dips of life,’ the ‘doubts of life,’ to think something’s wrong.  No, something is normal!  

And so our task is not to shame and blame when doubts occur, but to take someone by the hand and say -- let’s do this roller-coaster together!  

 I’ll believe and pray for you – even if you can’t believe and pray – for yourself.