James and the Obstacle Course

Anyone with kids, grandkids, or even if you just know a kid have all seen those wonderful blow up bounce obstacle courses. They make most kids scream with excitement and utter anticipation (which can make some kids actually shake waiting for their turn.) Other more "timid" or I should say "smart" kids turn from the mere sight of them and run away tucked in between their parents legs. I found this description of the "Mega Obstacle Course" at Inflatable 2000.  We are proud to present the inflatable 58' Obstacle Course. . The race is on! This course includes items to jump through, a 6' wall to climb over and slide down, holes to jump though and barrels to climb through. Two participants head for the starting line. In front of them stands an inflatable barrier of vinyl. The race is around walls, ramps, through tubes, around inflated pillars and through giant rings. The two racers try desperately to maneuver their way through the course to see who can cross the finish line first. They include climb through wall, biff n bash poles, rope climb and slide. Two sides offer double the capacity, and large size will draw attention from every angle.
While this description may sound appealing to most adrenaline pumped kids, it far too much resembles the way I can feel about life. Always dodging the next wall or barrier, trying to figure out the best way to win today's "race," strategizing for the holes to jump through, barrels to climb, and slides to fall down. Bouncing from one pilar to the next in a whirlwind of dizzyness.
But unlike the obstacle course, life never allows us to know what is up ahead. We face today's challenges and then wait for tomorrow's.
There are many sermons on having "unshakeable faith." Knowing that whatever "obstacles" God brings to us we are always prepared knowing he is in control. I wish I had that peace, the peace a child has in knowing that the obstacle course does not waver each time they go through. Having faith that comes in trusting a mere inflatable full of air. When the one we should trust in has much more power than that inflatable. Having a faith that does not waver, can withstand all challenges or obstacles life deals us, and gives us peace to face each day.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Let perseverence finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
In James 1:12 Blessed be the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. WOW what hope that brings!
Our obstacle course isn't about "winning" a competition or a race. Our obstacle course gives us the promise of eternal life. But we must have that "unshakeable faith," an unwavering, concrete foundation that is in the Word that our Lord Jesus Christ laid before us through his scarred hands.