" When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him." -James 1:12
It's been a long time since I was in a bumper car, I mean a long time, but as kids it was always fun to get into those electronically controlled cars at amusement parks and start driving. Some of us are good behind the wheels and then there's the ones who end up getting bumped around no matter how they drove (I was that one). But no matter how we ended up, we still enjoyed climbing in and getting bumped or doing the bumping.
This reminded me of a story in the Bible or at least a young man's story. As kids we learn to call him Joseph and his coat of many colors. Joseph's story is truly a story of bumper cars as he spend most of his life getting bumped around. From being thrown in a pit by his jealous brothers, to being sold into slavery, to serving a wealthy man and being wrongfully accused and thrown into prison. Joseph knew what hard knocks meant.
Now, as most of would do, we'd probably give up. We'd believe nothing was fair or just and lose hope. But Joseph's story teaches us different. Joseph never gave up, I am sure he was discouraged by each bump but he maintained hope in the God he served. He clung to that hope in the pit, on the back of the camels and in prison. Hope and belief that God had something better in store for him. And we know how his story ends. God did have something better. Joseph was able to save a country from famine and he was reunited with his family while holding a high position in the kingdom. Through all the bumps, God never left Joseph.
Not one of us has never felt our life like a bumper car at one point or another. We've all been knocked around a couple of time at least. I know there have been times I felt I'd never get out of the ride and I would get discouraged. I still have troubles but I've learned to trust God to take care of them. I found the hope and strength in God. I still fall at times but I've learned to bump back.
So, next time you feel the bumper cars tossing you around in life, learn from Joseph and hold onto the hope in Jesus. Let Him lead you to something better.