Pages

02 February 2008

One Amazing Ride

Several years ago, we had the opportunity to go with some friends to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH. While we were there we rode on several roller coasters and enjoyed the various rides. One roller coaster in particular still sticks out in my mind. It is called the Millenium Force. When it first opened in 2000, this coaster broke 10 world records for it height and speed. It reaches 310 feet above the ground and top speeds of 93 miles per hour! It was an incredible thrill. We rode the coaster about three times that day.

I (Corinne) have somewhat of a love-hate thing with roller coasters. I think I want to go on one, but then as I approach the front of the line my stomach starts to churn with anxiety, my palms get sweaty, and every inch of reasoning tells me not to get on! On most occasions I convince myself that I will not die and at the end of such an exhilorating ride, I will be glad I took the risk. Such was the case with the Millenium Force that day. My first trip was difficult as we slowly clicked up the first momentous hill. As we approached the top, regret was pulsing in my head...why did I think I wanted to do this?!? Inevitably we descended the hill and reached 93 miles per hour, while I gripped the hand bars white knuckled. I admit I was not having a good time - I was too scared! After the 2 minute 20 second thrill ride, we arrived safetly back at the loading zone. Whew! Now that I was safely on two feet and my adrenaline levels started to decline, I was informed that everyone wanted to go on the roller coaster again. Well, I reasoned, I survived once, I guess I can survive again. Three rides later, I realized I was enjoying the thrill of the height and speed of this roller coaster and I had conquered my fears.

It's funny how silly anecdotes can creep into your mind years later. As I was pondering our missions journey this week, the story of this particular roller coaster was in my mind. In life, I tend to be the one who wants to be in control. I want to have a schedule, a plan, and a back-up plan. I don't like to be surprised and I don't like to be unprepared. As we have stepped out and taken on the call to missions, however, I am learning that sometimes God works best when we are not in control. God is continually changing the plan to meet his purpose. He continually surprises us, whether through an unexpected word of encouragement or a financial gift. Sometimes walking by faith requires you to step out in the dark on unsure footing. This was not a comfortable place for me to be, but God is slowly teaching me that the adventure can be enjoyable when he is in charge. Like putting ourselves on a roller coaster, it is against our human nature to let God have control.

I am learning that the best time of my life is the time that I am in God's will, even if that means I am out of control. Just like Cedar Point claims nothing can compare to the thrill of their roller coaster, Bill Hybel reminded me that "Nothing can be compared to the thrill of serving God, of truly being used by Him to make an eternal difference in the lives of people and advancing His purposes in the world."