Sharing differently today; I couldn’t sleep the other night and this came out, almost a dream but not quite…still I feel like there’s something to learn here, so I’m putting it out there hoping it reveals itself.

THIS morning I got to thinking about old antique cars on tracks, the false sense of control when driving. He gives us our head…but He controls the car…maybe there’s some of that in here.

I’m holding onto the back of a roller coaster cart, dragged and flying over pre-defined tracks. As I grip desperately, I’m battered by wobbling beams and debris.

I see two limp straps flapping uselessly in me empty seat and ask myself: How did I get into this position? Why isn’t my seatbelt on? How did I let this happen?

About now the shame wants to set in. I let this happen. Me. Full responsibility.

But then my spirit steps in and says, “Wait. Hold up. Before judging, ask yourself: why would a smart gal like you purposely release a safety belt, as carefully as you’ve tried to live?”

My overthinking can be debilitating, so I can be confident I released that belt for a reason. Something about my current position in the cart felt so unsafe that I refused the belt promising security. I took a chance. On me. I need to acknowledge that there were solid reasons I detached from some very good things. I need to see (whether others do or not) that it took a lot of courage, rather than criticizing myself for the situation I now find myself in.

Yeah, I’m getting beat up at the moment and seemingly everyone else is comfortable with those that already joined them on the ride, little room for me. That’s okay.  For one, He promises to restore the parts He means for my good. For two, despite the difficulties and very real fear: the cart always stops.

The. Cart. Always. Stops. 

This doesn’t last forever. Praise God. 😉

Sometimes we get beat up along the way, but rest assured our good Father will find us a more suitable position in the cart, lead us back to our old seat in renewed strength, or onto a new ride all together.

Guys, this is really, really hard. But it’s a win-win-win. We. Win. He uses every single situation, good and “bad”. I…perhaps you…released that safety belt for a reason. He knows why, whether we truly do or not. His heart is for us, you. Ask, and really listen. Be still. Trust Him and what you think He’s telling you, even if you’ve been conditioned to not trust yourself for far too long. Trust the process. If you’re “off” He’ll course correct, just keep listening. Worse case: you’re wrong. So what? He is faithful and promises to refine, heal, and then use even our mis-steps for greater testimony if we don’t give up.

Take heart. The cart always stops with Him.

I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. -Romans 8:18