Hi everyone! Stephanie and I have a busy weekend ahead, so here’s a repost of the devotion I published in November 2015. I hope this post inspires you!

“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
–Proverbs 18:10 (NLT)
My wife Stephanie and I just got back from Disney’s California Adventure theme park. We went on a lot of fun rides there, but I want to concentrate on one that stood out for me: the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
During this attraction, you enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel, which has been abandoned for decades because of an elevator accident. You are taken aboard an elevator, which was once struck by lightning during a mysterious storm. Moments later, the strange event happens again, and you drop 13 stories to the bottom floor. Needless to say, it’s quite a shock when you feel the elevator dropping faster than gravity itself, and you lift up out of your seat.
Once I regained my wits after the ride, I thought about how the Tower elevator is similar to life in today’s world. All of us put our trust in people, plans, money, power, and other seemingly secure things. But sooner or later, all of these worldly goals will come crashing down. This often happens when we least expect it, just like the drops taken by the elevator in the Tower of Terror. We may feel frightened and alone when life’s floor gives way.
When we are overwhelmed and living in our darkest hours, the unchangeable God invites us to put our trust in Him. He tells us that while we may be shaken up by the unpleasant surprises in life, He will always hold us in His everlasting arms. He also wants us to know that when everything seems crazy, He offers His peace if we will only call upon Him.
So, while I don’t know what you are facing, God is confronting you with a choice today. If you choose to ride on life’s roller coaster, you will have thrills for a season, but in the end you may be left with nothing to hold onto and nowhere to turn. On the other hand, if you put your trust in the Lord, you will not have to be tossed around by the winds of life, for God will face the storms of life with you.
Are you tired of leaning on a tower that shakes with life’s ups and downs? Go to God, and in your own words, let Him know that you want to exchange the weakness of the world for His strength, and that you want to run to the tower that is unshakable.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870. Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Monday night Bible study or Tuesday night prayer meeting. Both are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 5:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 712-432-6499. When prompted, press 1 for live chat rooms, and we’ll be waiting in room 31. You can press pound to bypass our friend Sharon’s intro message once you’ve entered room 31. We hope to talk with you soon!
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