I totally bit it.
3 times actually.
And after that, my confidence was gone.
We had taken bikes up the gondola and were riding them down the mountain. There were lots of switch backs and rocks and dirt to contend with, but it was beautiful.
The first run was flawless. So. Much. Fun.
But the second time was very different.
Honestly I should have called it a day. But even though my legs were fatigued… I didn’t want to admit my 46 years might be slowing me down.
As we started down the second time, my sister and I got into one of our laughing fits.
Seriously.
It’s so ridiculous.
I laugh because she is laughing… and she laughs because I am laughing. We totally feed off each other, and usually end up with aching bellies and tears rolling down our cheeks.
Sweet mother.
So we’re laughing like little old ladies, and then —> pain. I lose focus and fall off my bike, landing in a pile of rocks.
Oh, and did I mention we decided against knee and arm pads? “No thanks, Mr. bike-rental-dude. We don’t need that kind of protection. We never fall.”
Ugh.
Don’t they say pride goes before the fall?
Yeah. I thought so.
Anyway… I ripped my favorite pair of yoga pants, cut my leg and arm, tweaked my shoulder, and damaged my ego. But being the trooper I am, I got back on the bike and started down again.
And then I fell as I rounded a hard s-curve.
And then again a bit farther down the mountain, this time with some good speed behind me.
Why did I keep falling? It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I got up – again – and rather than get back on my bike, I started walking it down the blasted mountain. Needless to say, the fun was finished. The majesty of the mountain was missing. My confidence had crumbled. I was battered… bruised… and terribly ticked off.
Life can be like that, you know.
You can be going along enjoying it… joyful… cheerful… carefree… light… and then without warning, it all changes.
– Your husband has an affair.
– The test results are concerning.
– Your child makes a painful life-changing decision.
– You lose your job and can’t pay the bills.
– A friend betrays your trust.
And you fall. Hard.
The Enemy puts an unexpected s-curve in your path, and it trips you up. You get up, wipe the dust off yourself only to be tripped up again… and again.
We feel defeated in an instant, and wonder …
“Why me? Why again? Where’s God?”
We moan and groan and complain. The pity party begins and it’s filled with drama and hopelessness, and we milk sympathy from everyone around us. We sit in our crap (yes, I said it) and long for better days.
Girls… why are we surprised when life causes us to tumble?
We’re not promised an easy, comfortable life. We’re not “owed” anything. Loving Jesus doesn’t exempt us from pain.
As a matter of fact, quite the opposite.
“In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” (John 16:33)
In other words, we need to know it’s coming – troubles, trials, tribulation and tension.
We live in a world that’s out of alignment with Jesus and His way of life. Many don’t know Him, and so when life knocks them down… they stay down.
But as Christ-followers, we must find the courage to get back up time after time after time.
Why? Because we have faith.
Because He will.
He has.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Girls, when has He not?
The Enemy doesn’t win. Our struggles are not bigger than God. He has plans to prosper us.
So get up.
Life can be so good until it isn’t. But let’s remember… God is always in the isn’t.♥♥♥
©2013 Carey Scott
Get my latest printable. FREE through August!
Let’s Connect! Follow me on Twitter… Pin with me on Pinterest… Book Me to speak at your event… Like my Facebook Ministry Page… Subscribe to my Blog and Newsletter.
Carey I am thankful that you are sharing the “choice” of praising and believing God. If we only do it when our circumstances are great then we don’t really have a deep solid faith or an understanding of Him. I long to get to the place where my heart will automatically react with faith when falls, stumbles and pain occur. For now I am still battling my reactions – but my Savior says He has overcome this world and the victory is HIS. That makes me want to get back up again!!!!!
Yes!!! Me too! I want my eyes to never leave my Jesus! Hope anchored in Him- I want my response to be one of pure trust and stand! That I can stand on Him- His foundation of love- and His Word of Truth. Yes! After we’ve done all we can do- stand!!!! He will widen our path!
Love thus very timely word today! So proud of you my friend!
Amanda… love the line “He will widen our path.” That calms my anxious heart!
Jeanelle… how we live, respond, act, is such a series of choices. We have to take ownership over them, including how we will function when life gets crunchy. Thanks for your insight!
Oh my goodness I am so happy I stumbled over/on to you today! I love your message of being real and it is so refreshing to hear your way of saying it. It is my message also and I cannot wait to explore the rest of your blog/website! Susie
Welcome, Susie! Glad to be in good company. Keep that message of authenticity running strong, girl! 🙂
My friend just sent this to me because it spoke to her and she wanted to share. She didn’t know I had just hung with my son who battles depression and anxiety and who just told me he thinks he’s to the point where inpatient may once again be a necessity. Of course, I’d just written last week to a friend that it was this time last year when I had to take my son to the crisis center, but thank God it had been some time since he last seemed to struggle. So here I was just cruising through the workday with plans for dinner tonight to discuss fall ministry plans. And suddenly, with one phone call, the unexpected s-curve. I have begun to notice those curves seem to sync up with busy ministry seasons – someone is not happy to have me working on the things of God. Thank you so very much for the reminder that God is in the isn’t!!
Toni… I bless you in this season girl! How blessed your son is to have YOU! And what wisdom to see the connection between God’s work and the Enemy’s attack. Brilliant.
And now I know why I choose to ride my road bike a lot more than my mountain bike. 🙂
Great post about the falls in life.
Hello. I’m Rodney. One of the few guys on the Wall Around Your Heart Launch Team. I’m just dropping in to a few blogs to say hello. Keep up the blogging and I’ll see you online.