Do you like the thrill of riding a rollercoaster? Rollercoasters often throw you from side to side as they go up and down at a fast speed. Others takes you through loops and around curves causing your heart to race. At times they slow down and give you a respite from the jarring and shaking. Some laugh, scream, grimace, or close their eyes when riding on rollercoasters, others pray to make it through the experience. Perhaps you are one who throws up your hands enjoying the highs and the lows on the rocky ride. Maybe you can identify with the one who clutches the bars tightly needing the security of the seat. Surely you can empathize with those who give a sigh of relief as the ride slows to an end? And, yes there are some who would choose to avoid rollercoasters altogether.
The life of a disciple is very similar to a rollercoaster ride; in fact life itself can be described as a "rollercoaster ride." Reading through the book of Acts, we see the highs and lows of being a follower of Christ. No other life exemplifies this more than that of the Apostle Paul.
From being a persecutor of believers to being humbled and blinded on the Damascus road, little did Paul know at the time that this high and low would be the event that changed his life. The high of receiving his sight back and getting a commission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the downward spiral of being lowered in a basket to escape those who would stop him, Paul's life was a rollercoaster ride indeed. (Acts 9)
Initially Paul was rejected by the other disciples, but found a great friendship with Barnabas.
The Holy Spirit gave Paul tremendous boldness to preach the Gospel, cast out demonic spirits, heal the sick, and encourage other believers. Yet Paul was run out of town, stoned, and imprisoned many times. Truly it was a bumpy ride.
Sometimes Paul was able to coast smoothly by spending extended time in cities expounding on the teaching of Jesus, working his trade as a tent-maker, and inspiring others to continue in the faith. However, at other times the thrill of the ride included hunger, being cold, homeless, shipwrecked, snake-bitten, lied on, beaten, and put in jail. Imagine being told, "...in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me." (Acts 20:23) Surely these lows were enough to make Paul want to exit the rollercoaster ride. Instead, we find him throwing up his hands and rejoicing in the dips and curves that the ride brought. "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus - the ministry of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
Without a doubt, as a disciple of Christ our journey in life is just like a rollercoaster ride, too. We experience births of babies and deaths of friends in one week. We celebrate weddings and attend funerals soon after. We laugh and cry all in the same day. We struggle financially at times, and feast when prosperity abounds. Life is like that, we can't escape it. Add on the additional thrill of sharing the Gospel and we see more persecution. We are hated, but called to love. We are rejected, but encouraged to embrace all. We are demeaned, but determined to bless. And, just like Paul, God gives us the grace to endure.
Yes, riding this rollercoaster with Jesus is a choice. Our salvation doesn't exempt us from trials and tribulations. As we mature spiritually our decision in how we respond to these things change. I choose to throw my hands in the air and praise God's great and mighty name. I choose to wave my arms wildly through the highs and lows that life brings rejoicing that this ride is controlled and monitored by my King at all times. That is the life of a disciple.
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