Get Me Off This Thing!

Read: Isaiah 41:8-10 "Oh no! No, no, no! Get me off this thing! Mom, make them stop!” Carrie squirmed nervously as the seat she was strapped into began to rise higher and higher into the air. Mom laughed and grabbed Carrie’s hand. “Sorry, honey, but I think it’s too late to get off now. Believe me, you’re going to love it! It’s just a little scary right now.” Carrie continued to whimper as the ride climbed higher, and she gave a little shriek as the seats bumped into place high up in the air. “It’s okay,” Mom reassured her. “I’m right here with you. You’re going to be fine.” “Okay,” Carrie said, squeezing Mom’s hand tight. She looked down at the park below them. “Hey, Mom, it’s actually kind of cool to see everything from up here. I can see—aaaaahhhh!” Carrie screamed as the ride suddenly dropped. Mom screamed too, and then they were both laughing as the ride bounced back up and down a few more times before finally settling back down on the ground. “Mom, that was so much fun! Can we go on it again?” Mom laughed. “Are you sure? I thought you wanted to get off before.” “Oh. Yeah, well, I did, but I just held on to your hand and tried not to be scared, and it was still pretty scary at first, but then it was really fun!” Carrie took a deep breath and grinned. “I want to go again.” As they waited in line, Mom said, “You know, Carrie, this ride made me think of you being nervous about starting a new school in a few weeks. It can help remind you that you don’t have to be afraid when you’re facing something scary in life. Jesus is right there with you, and it’s like He’s holding your hand. You don’t have to be afraid—and you might even find out that whatever you’re afraid of is really a great thing for you.” Carrie nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll try to remember that, Mom.” She started walking as the attendant motioned them forward. “I know Jesus is with me, but will you still hold my hand during the ride?” “Sure, honey. No problem.” Mom laughed and gave Carrie’s hand a quick squeeze. –Robyn Mulder How about you? Are you facing something scary in your life right now—something much bigger than a ride at an amusement park? No matter what it is you’re facing, Jesus is right there with you. He loves you so much He gave His life for you, and He promises to always be with those who trust in Him. He’ll be there to help you and comfort you, and He will never leave you. Today's Key Verse Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you. (NIV) Deuteronomy 31:6 Today's Key Thought Jesus is always with you