Anyone who has lived a day or two can agree that life is filled with ups and downs. Where we end up has to do with how we handle these events. The roller coaster is inevitable; however, our perspective and having growth as our goal guides us toward a positive outcome regardless of circumstances.
Just last week I found out that my mom has stage 3C ovarian cancer. While we hate to hear the ‘c’ word, I can admit that I was numb to know what this really meant for me or my family. For the first 24 hours all I did was feel. I felt hurt and sadness; I felt all the memories of the past, both great and regretful alike. I felt what I wanted for the future, but knew in my own power I was powerless. Occasionally, I would find a grain of faith. I would ride its waves to believe for complete healing albeit the chemo or miracle, and that is still what I am residing myself to believe. In all honestly, my faith is not fiery. It does not burn away all doubt or fear, nor has it ignored reality or emotion. But I have to submit. Submit to God, and believe for Him to conquer.
Easier said than done, I must say. Hudson Taylor, a missionary to India, said that the cross of Christ is tailor made for each one of us. That means the cross becomes personal, hits home, and HURTS! And at the foundation of embracing this cross is submission. We don’t like this word because it carries with it so many negative connotations. It might emote abuse, one-sidedness, or even bondage.
But when I said ‘Yes’ to Christ, I said ‘No’ to self-interest, retaliation, and justification. The cross-life of Jesus undermined all social orders based on power and self-interest.
So, sit in the seat beside me on this roller coaster ride of life. Let self-denial be the harness that hold us in, and the cross the tracks that lead us. At the end, we’ll buy our portrait showing the screaming, scary fun we had all along the way, knowing that God is faithful and will see us to the end.
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