The Roller Coaster of Life

Posted on August 9, 2018 by Mike

For most of us life has its ups and downs. Sometimes it might seem like we’re on a roller coaster with death defying drops followed by exhilarating climbs to the top only to be plunged back down again. Other times the transitions are more subtle. Our emotions may even travel from feast to famine several times a day in some cases. There is actually great value in the repetitive nature of our highs and lows. Each time we suffer in some way and then find our way back to joy we have experienced a small reminder of the death and resurrection of Jesus. Even in death, God has the power to overcome. It is that same God who provides us with the strength to overcome our everyday trials.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)

The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while in a Roman prison, yet he was made strong in that situation through his relationship with Jesus. It is when we are weak that we can feel the strongest knowing God is with us and we actually have His awesome power at our disposal.

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV)

Jesus going to the cross on our behalf, to pay the penalty for our sins, is the ultimate example of the power of God resolving the worst of all situations. It is through the death and resurrection of Jesus that Salvation is provided for all who believe.

“For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power.” 2 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Hardship is an opportunity to experience the power of God. When we look back on our lives and remember the times of total despair that were somehow resolved, we should be praising God for supplying us with His power to overcome. And as we go through difficult times we should praise God for the opportunity to once again experience his awesome power.

“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.” 2 Corinthians 4:10 (NIV)

It is your relationship with Jesus that will give you the power to overcome whatever it is your going through. Praise God for the opportunity to travel the same road as Jesus from weakness to glory. In time you will be made whole but hang on, the ride is not over until Jesus returns.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

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