Frog Hopper?

Fundraising is like being on the Frog Hopper (the amusement park ride you see in the picture). This particular thrill ride goes up and down at any moment. It leaves feelings in your stomach that you would not normally experience. You cannot even tell if they are good or bad...they just are. That is how this last week has been for us, like being on the Frog Hopper. One minute we have an overwhelming sense of insecurity, the other minute an unbelievable sense of thrill. I have been reading through the first five books of the bible, and have been considering the exodus of the people of God out of the land of Egypt where they were slaves. The LORD brought them out of Egypt after displaying his power to Pharaoh via the plagues. Then in a great display of the LORD's power through the parting of a sea, the people of God must have been absolutely thrilled. Then as they travelled through the desert day after day, month after month, year after year, there was an overwhelming sense of insecurity. They began to complain and actually considered that it might be better for them to return to their slavery than trust in their LORD who had delivered them. I relate all to well with these people. We have seen the LORD do some pretty amazing things over the past two months, and even so I find myself at times wondering if it would be better to return back to the things that I have found myself enslaved too in the past (things like control, security, pride, and many others). Why would I do that? Because I am weak, sinful, and lack faith. The LORD is the only one that can love me the way I need to be loved. I am convinced of that and need not look any further than the time Jesus entered the desert. After being baptized by John, Jesus entered the desert and fasted for 40 days. Then he was tempted by the devil but resisted as he clinged to the law that brought him freedom to express his true humanity. Insecurity is a powerful feeling that should drive us to cling to the one true God, not embrace false gods that bring bondage. Would you pray for us? Pray that as we ride the Frog Hopper of life, that we would do it like our kids did in the picture. Happy, thrilled, joyful, at peace, and wanting to do it more! You could also pray for those things I listed last week as well (fundraising needs, safe delivery for mom and baby, parents health and the selling of their home at the perfect time, and fruitful study for ordination exams).