Don’t Ride the Ride Alone

by John Michalak

Rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

Romans 12:12-13

Have you ever ridden a rollercoaster or gone whitewater rafting and been afraid for your life?

To be sure, there is a thrill to the ups and downs and twists and turns on a rollercoaster ride. There can be great joy when floating down some quick rapids on a river, dodging rocks, descending and ascending with the flow of the water.

But, there’s also a sense of terror. Few are ever injured or perish on such rides, but the sense of peril is always there. So, while you may be laughing in joy with the person sitting next to you, the next moment you may be clinging tightly to them to feel safe. The ride just wouldn’t be the same without them.

Such are the joys and perils of life. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. It has its thrills and also its moments of terror.

In all your hopes and all your troubles. In all your prayers and all your needs. How can you experience the fullest joy or be comforted when you’re afraid if you choose to ride the ride alone?