When the Cold Wind Blows

I reached out to my youngest son and cradled his shoulders while grasping the metal railing with my free hand. Higher and higher the ferris wheel climbed, stopping every so often for more riders to climb aboard. Soon we were at the top. A cold gust blew in from the ocean and the round, white bucket we sat in swayed in the wind.

"Mommy, I want to get off. Make it go down."

"Honey, the ride is moving. We have to wait until it's over to get off."

My little boy scrunched his eyes closed. "I don't like this."

Quite frankly, I didn't either, but I wasn't about to scare him further and gently squeezed his shoulder in reassurance. Now you wouldn't think this adventure girl would be afraid of a big, old ferris wheel. I love roller coasters - they go so fast and the ride is so exhilarating that the only time there is to fear is on the ride up.

However, there is something unnerving in my mind about a mountainous ferris wheel - how the metal structure slowly turns, creaking and groaning under the burden of weight and the abuse of the salty sea. Often I sit in the swaying bucket and tip my head up to inspect the bolts, trying to see if there is something loose or worn out. When I ride, I feel like I'm dangling over the ocean boardwalk like a heavy Christmas ornament on a tiny Christmas tree branch.

So often in life we face times when we are afraid. We may wonder, "Lord, when is this ride going to let up?" We may feel tense, fearful and uncertain of what may happen. But God tells us not to worry. I love the reassurance the Lord gives us in His Word.

Romans 8:15 & 16 says this: "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." (NKJV)

When we are afraid, we need to call out to God our Father. The Bible says the Holy Spirit will speak to our hearts and remind us that we are God's children. God the Father always protects His own. Does it mean we will never get hurt or go through troubled times? No. But God promises to put His loving arms around us. His hand holds us and never lets us go, no matter what.

I'm so glad to be His child. How about you? If you would like to know more about what the Bible says about becoming a child of God, please email me at susanskitt@verizon.net and I'd be happy to share with you about the security that God offers both now and for all eternity through Jesus Christ.

Live the adventure,

Susan