Senior Living - October 24

How to get off the spiritual roller coaster

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. - 1 Corinthians 15:58

As a wealthy oil tycoon lay on his deathbed, his pastor talked of God’s healing power. “Pastor,” he gasped, “if God heals me, I’ll give the church a million dollars.” The pastor gave a wry grin and said, “Yes, sir, I’m sure you would!”

Miraculously, the man was healed and within a few short weeks was out of the hospital. One day several months later, he and the pastor were chatting on the sidewalk in front of the church. “You know,” the pastor laughed, “when you were in the hospital dying, you promised to give the church a million dollars if you got well. We haven’t got it yet.”

“Did I say that?” the tycoon asked. “I guess that goes to show how sick I really was!”

It’s interesting how in times of desperation, people tend to become more spiritual, promising God this and that. Yet when those times of desperation pass, they’re left with unkept promises and a waning spiritual life.

Instead of living life on a spiritual roller coaster, stay close to God in good times and in bad. Don’t treat God like a cosmic Santa Claus who you turn to when you need something. See Him, rather, as a faithful friend who is always with you no matter what you’re going through!

Prayer Challenge

Pray that God would give you consistency in your walk with Him in good times and in bad.

Questions for Thought

Are there times in your life when you’ve been on a spiritual roller coaster? What were the circumstances that prompted you to get closer to or further from God?

When times are good, how can you reaffirm your commitment to God and avoid leaning on your circumstances for joy?

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