Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love Him. Jacob [James] 1:12, TLV

Enjoying the Test?        The first time I rode a rollercoaster was a right-of-passage moment.  Looking back, it set a precedent for facing my fears.

One of my younger brothers and my aunt (who was only 18 mos. older than me), were already frequent riders and they pointed out much younger kids getting in line, actually smiling.

My decision was part peer-pressure and part believing that since they had survived their many rides, AND wanted to go again and again, I surrendered — to get in line. Perhaps my courage would grow as we waited our turn?

As we stood in the long line for the roller-coaster, I lived a thousand deaths. I feared every possible scenario. When the bar clanked across our laps, I tested it to be sure it was strong and secure, then considered, even at that point, retreating.

As the coaster clanked-clanked-clanked up the steep ascent into oblivion, my companions laughed and whooped and hollered in glee. I had a death-grip on that steel bar and had lost every drop of saliva in my mouth.

Then came the deep dive that made my stomach crash. I don’t know if it was the G-force or sheer terror, but a scream pushed out loud and clear.

Somewhere along the twists, turns, climbs, and dips, the screaming included laughter. And when the ride was over, I was a better person for having done it. I had overcome my fears, right?

Once we were on solid ground, my brother and aunt said, “Let’s do it again!” Most likely the adrenaline convinced me to nod my head, and before I realized we were back in line. After several more rides, I knew I could strap in and enjoy the ride, even though it was scary sometimes.

Strapping In

We can choose to live in fear as we face tests, but even if we begin that way, once we are “strapped in” by our loving Heavenly Father, we can ride it out and with the screams, maybe find some joy, and be a better person for it. Ready, perhaps, for the next ride?

Hold on. Those who endure end up enjoying? Maybe because we stepped out in faith, and He helped us conquer our fear. Then we could find happiness and blessings in that knowledge — at the end of the ride.

Think More About It

Most likely we don’t look forward to a test, right? But how do we feel about that test after we finish?

Until tomorrow, may we strap in and ride out the test—with the LORD.

Praying for Israel

Probe me, ADONAI [LORD], and test me,
refine my mind and my heart. Psalm 26:2, TLV

My mind needs refining with all the anger, fear, grief, and doubt—imagine what families in Israel are going through right now. So, I’m praying this verse for the Jewish people and the Israelis—and myself. Join me? God bless you.