I was never very fond of roller coasters. I can’t see paying good money to get onto a ride that, once I’m on it, I can’t wait until it stops and I can get off. No thanks! I know that some people love them, and can’t get enough of them, but I’m just not one of them.

The weather lately has been a bit of a roller coaster as well. I was just getting used to the nice mild days we were having, and now I’m being told it will be in the teens tomorrow night. Then by Tuesday, we’re back up near the 70s again. I wish the National Weather Service would quit teasing me!

If you have a 401K, you probably noticed the value of yours increase recently. It was estimated that the average 401K increased in value by $11,000 over the last 4 months. The economy has certainly been trending upward recently, much like the long incline of a roller coaster, just before it reaches the top and begins its rapid descent amidst screams and squeals, arms flung high in the air, and stomachs seeming to fly upward into one’s throat!

Hopefully the economy will not follow the same path as the famous Loch Ness Monster at Busch Gardens. But it’s been said that what goes up must come down, and so we know the upward economic trend will not last forever. Perhaps there won’t be a crash, as such, but there are always ups and downs, as the historical data shows.

The Bible tells us that at the time of the end, this world will be in absolute turmoil. It will be a roller coaster ride like no other. There will come a time when it will appear that the nations have finally found a way to live peaceably. Then, suddenly, from nowhere, the bottom will fall out, and the world will enter the most destructive time it has ever known (1 Thessalonians 5:1-10). The world will not be expecting the events that will quickly come. But we will. We know what lies ahead, and will be able to prepare. We will be able to hold on throughout this turbulent ride, knowing we are not in the dark. We have God on our side, and need not be tossed back and forth through it all. We know that at the end of this roller coaster awaits the Kingdom of God, which makes all the gut-wrenching turbulence worth it.

It’s up to us now, to “warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (v.14). It’s a blessing to be in God’s Church, where we have the knowledge of what lies ahead, and teach these things to others. We know it’s coming, and have the opportunity to prepare. There’s still time to preach the gospel, and warn the world, as we announce the good news of what lies beyond. How can we be prepared? Read verses 16-22. Rejoice, pray, give thanks. Don’t quench the Spirit. Abstain from evil.

Roller coasters aren’t for the fainthearted. Neither is the time of the end. Some will give up, and abandon their faith. We can’t let that happen. Remain steadfast and strong, holding fast what is good. If we do, we will be preserved blameless at the coming of Christ. It starts today. If we aren’t strong now, while on solid ground, how will we be strong when the ride begins? How will we survive in troublesome times? There’s only one way. With a strong relationship with God the Father, and with Jesus Christ, the Rock, we will remain on solid ground throughout. Our stomachs won’t be in our throats. We won’t suffer spiritual whiplash. And in the blink of an eye, the ride will come to an end, and we will have made it to that millennial rest!

Don McCoy
3/3/2017