Get A Grip
As a child, fall promised the molasses taste of sorghum syrup, crisp Rome apples for jelly making, the smell of fresh cut hay, and the North GA State Fair. Each year the midway beckoned our adventuresome spirit to bypass the carousel and head over to the Himalaya roller coaster. Finally in our early teens, we were ‘big’ enough to experience the thrill of those coveted rides. One of them, the Bullet, intrigued us as much as it filled us with expectant anticipation.
Looking like a couple of space-age hammers, two long arms with oblong capsules attached held a fascination as they lured us to the line. My brother and I rode together, grinning so big it’s a wonder we didn’t attract moths. As the handle-like poles swung back and forth, laughter bubbled out. As we went higher, the carnival sounds faded as quickly as our mirth. Held upside down for a moment, I knew I made a big mistake. Then the centrifugal force of fast circles held my chin to my chest, causing pain and I just knew my next site would be heaven. I shifted my eyes to the crossbar finding my brother‘s white-knuckled death grip and tears flowed down my cheeks.
“Just hold on Dimple. It’ll be over soon; just hold on!”
As if I could let go! I couldn’t even move!
Have you ever been in a similar situation with no way to avoid imminent harm? Do you know the tingle of feeling a clear and present danger paralyzing you against the typical fight or flight response? Are you a crier, looking to others for help? Where is your focus, here on this earth or your future?
HOPE is the assurance of something better than right now. It is the knowledge the temporal events of this life being the worst you will ever experience. It is resting in the promise of eternal life. It is security and safety, no matter what you are experiencing right this moment.
HOPE, Hold Onto Promises Eternal, when things overwhelm you. Cry out to God for wisdom. Ask Him for the guidance to take the next step and the endurance to get through this season. We face trials not only to test our faith but to strengthen it. He will never give us a situation for which He will not be there with us to lead us through.
If you don’t know Jesus, ask Him into your life. He’s right there waiting for you. That soft knocking you hear is Him letting you know He’s seeking you. That quickening you feel in your chest is an urge to answer His call.
Jesus never promised an easy life; He promised incorruptible rewards. He promised never to leave or forsake us. He promised us abundant life. Keep your eyes on the future, eternity with Him.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
