Life is a Roller Coaster

Today we’re talking about the roller coasters of life. You know the feeling — one minute you’re climbing up, full of excitement, and the next you’re plunging down at full speed, wondering what just happened. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments that make you scream! But there’s good news: even when life feels wild, God is the steady track under our feet. So, buckle up and let’s ride this one out together!

Our scripture for today is John 16:33 (NLT) – “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Roller coasters are thrilling, but they’re also a little scary. Life is like that too. Let’s talk about how we can hang on through the wild rides.

I am not a roller coaster person. I have not ridden many of them, but one of the times I did ride, I of course waited an hour to ride a huge coaster... and halfway up that first climb, I was regretting every decision that got me there! Life’s ups can feel great, but the drops — those can go either way, I think.

On a roller coaster, you trust the track even when you can’t see where you’re going. Faith works the same way! Even when life feels out of control, God has us securely on His path.

I just heard from a listener the other day about a roller coaster of a time they were having with their car breaking down. They told me they were trying to buy a house, and so fixing their car seemed way out of the picture. He had called a friend, and this friend recommended a great mechanic to look at the car. He said the mechanic did just that, told him the amount it would be — and it was a lot — and then the mechanic looked at him and said, “I know your story, and I just decided to fix it for you free of charge.” WOW!! God really showed up and made sure that this man was taken care of.

What’s a time in your life when you felt like everything was spinning? How did God show up for you in that season?

One time I was on a Ferris wheel… not only do I not really like roller coasters, I also don’t really care for things up high. My friend, who is also afraid of heights, and I both thought it would be fun to get on this Ferris wheel. It was fun until we got stuck at the top for like 20 minutes, and then we couldn’t wait for the descent and to be back on solid ground. Though this wasn’t exactly fun, it made a good memory, and it was cool to see the view from where we were.

Just because it’s a wild ride doesn’t mean it’s a bad one. Some of the best views come after the scariest climbs. Hold on tight to Jesus — He’s got you.

Roller coasters teach us something important: fear and fun can happen at the same time.

Remember your first big roller coaster? That knot in your stomach? Sometimes stepping out in faith feels just like that.

It’s exciting to know that we are stepping into something new but scary all at the same time because we may not know what to expect.

Our scripture for today, John 16:33, reminds us that trouble will come — but we don’t have to be afraid because Jesus has already overcome.

I have a friend and she and her family moved here from California, stayed for a year, then moved back. God moves in ways we don’t understand sometimes, but she told me how moving to a new city felt like riding a coaster in the dark — scary but worth it. What new adventure is God calling you into?

I remember that feeling when I moved to Oklahoma for college. I had been there a few times to visit family but never on my own, and so that was an adventure — and totally worth it.

Not being a thrill seeker, I’m always wondering why people jump out of planes. The ground is perfectly fine. Or how about jet pilots who do all those spins… I wouldn’t make it on so many levels.

Those who jump out of planes or those pilots know that they are strapped in and will be safe because they have prepared themselves for these things. So next time life feels like a giant loop-de-loop, remember you’re strapped in tight by God’s promises. You’re safe, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Let’s talk this hour about how to enjoy the ride even when it’s bumpy.

Some days you’re laughing, some days you’re screaming — both are part of the journey. It’s okay to admit when it’s tough.

Emotions can run really high, and with that it’s easy to miss the beauty of the ride when you’re too busy holding your breath. But we can all learn small ways to enjoy the everyday moments.

The roller coaster will end, and if you are like me and can’t wait to jump off, though you feel a little shaky, you’ll step off stronger than you were before because you made it through.

Remember that God is building perseverance in you with every twist and turn. So, hold on tight.

I have this note card on my corkboard in my office and it has this prayer: “I am praying for God to make you brave today, allowing you to take courage in His promises and comfort in His plans.” 

There is a quote as well that reads, “Having a willing heart means that we obey without seeing the end of the story, entrusting our work and our lives into the hands of the One who sees the end from the beginning.” – Vivian Mabuni

God is the only one who sees the beginning and the end, and through life’s ups and downs we can trust in Him always.

This life is the only roller coaster I’m willing to ride, and that is because I know that through all the tough times and lessons to be learned, God is the Designer of this ride. I’m coming to trust Him more and more, and in that, I’m more willing to throw my hands up and enjoy the journey!

God is in control.

Remember that even when life feels upside down, you are held safely in God’s hands. Don’t let fear steal your joy. Trust the One who’s in control of the ride.