Devotion #1: Fear, Faith, and Space Mountain
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
There is a moment in my life that sticks with me, like a scene from a movie. It was the 90s at Disneyland, and I was a little kid with my Winnie the Pooh backpack set so stylishly on my back. My parents had sent me with family friends visiting from out of state, naming me their official Disneyland tour guide. Growing up in Southern California, I knew that park better than my own bedroom. However, there was one big problem - I hated roller coasters. Chip and Dale’s Toontown coaster was about as daring as I would go, but Space Mountain? Not a chance. My parents never pushed me, so we always skipped it. That day, however, my friend’s parents decided they were going on Space Mountain, and I was coming with them. I was terrified. I sobbed in line for what felt like an eternity, my arguments falling flat. When we finally reached the front, my friend’s mom looked me square in the eye and said, “Sierra, I know you are scared, but I also know you are going to love this. Do you trust me?” Now, for the purpose of this example, I wish I could say that my answer was “Yes! I absolutely trust you! Let’s do this!” In reality, I told her that no, I did not trust her, and that she was really mean, all while choking back sobs. Even though I was forced onto that ride, she was right. I loved it. We rode it again, and that day changed me. I went from fearing roller coasters to chasing them. I just needed someone to push me to step out in faith, trusting there was something good on the other side.
When I think about faith in God, I think about that moment. Faith so often requires us to step into places where we cannot see the outcome, trusting that God is leading us toward something good. Romans 1:16-17 reminds us that faith is at the core of our righteousness. Paul boldly proclaims that he is “not ashamed of the gospel” because it is the very power of God to save those who believe. This kind of faith does not always come easily. Like a little kid clinging to fear in a roller coaster line, we often resist stepping where God calls us. Why? It is because our human nature craves control. We want certainty and comfort. Living by faith means surrendering those desires and trusting God instead.
Romans 2:13 tells us that it is not enough to hear God’s Word - we have to live it. Faith without action is incomplete. Real faith leads us to obedience. It changes how we live, how we love, and how we trust. For me, this means trusting God with everything, from the big things in my life all the way down to the tiny details. It is my daily choice to lean on Him when I feel overwhelmed with my schedule or believe that He will provide when finances are tight. It is saying yes to others even when I feel stretched too thin or recognizing that I am a sinner who just keeps messing up. Living by faith means refusing to rely on my own strength and instead choosing to rely on His promises, even when my emotions tell me otherwise.
Faith is not about having everything figured out; it is about trusting the One who does. Here is the beauty of it: when we live by faith, we find freedom. We do not have to be perfect or prove ourselves to God. He simply calls us to trust Him and let that trust shape how we live. So today, I challenge you: where is God asking you to step out in faith? Maybe it is a big leap or just a small step. Wherever it is, do not let fear keep you from experiencing the good He has for you. Trust Him! He sees the whole picture, even when you do not.