Roller Coasters

Bible Reading: Psalm 37:23-24, 39-40

Silas grinned as he and his sister stood in line for their first ride on the new Thrillinator roller coaster. “Before you know it, we’ll be zooming down those slick metal rails—upside down, downside up, and every which way in between,” said Silas. “I can hardly wait!”

“I can!” replied Hadley. “I can’t believe you like doing this stuff! This thing will hurl us at incredibly dangerous speeds through insane twists and turns and drops. I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to ride this thing with you!”

Silas laughed. “I know what you were thinking. You wanted the funnel cake I promised to buy you for going on the roller coaster with me.” He had agreed to buy it for her because it always felt weird to ride a roller coaster alone. “Besides,” he added, “roller coasters teach us an important lesson. Remember what Dad compared them to?”

“Sure,” said Hadley. “Dad said a roller coaster is something like life—full of ups and downs.” She shook her head. “It seems like our family’s been going through a lot of the downs lately. Aunt Susie died, and Mom’s been sick, and our dog is lost.” She frowned. “Like I said, I don’t really like roller coasters.”

“Well, don’t forget what else Dad told us,” said Silas, grinning as the Thrillinator came to a halt. It was their turn next. “Dad said roller coasters were carefully designed with safety in mind, and since Jesus has saved us and given us eternal life, our lives are safe too.”

Hadley nodded as they both moved forward to climb into the waiting car. “I remember,” she replied. “He said we’re in the hands of the Great Designer—a loving God who knows what’s best and helps us face all the high and low points ahead.”

“Right,” said Silas. “And we’re never riding that roller coaster alone—Jesus is right next to us through all of life’s ups and downs.”

Hadley shrieked as the roller coaster suddenly jerked ahead. They were about to begin racing through corkscrew turns and zooming down steep drops. “Don’t forget—it’s safe,” Silas yelled to his sister. He smiled, knowing they had nothing to fear in life either. • Mike A. Dize

How About You?

Do you get scared when you think about the future? Maybe someone in your family is sick or school is becoming too difficult. You can’t know what’s going to happen in life, but you can trust Jesus to take care of you as you go through it. Even when you face scary twists and turns, He is right there next to you. You are safe with Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Job 23:10 He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Trust God through ups and downs