Dark Ride into Tomorrow

With a top speed of only 28mph, Space Mountain is actually almost the slowest rides in Walt Disney World, yet for millions of guests the iconic indoor roller coaster is one of the greatest thrills of a visit to the Magic Kingdom. Only the Barnstormer, a Goofy-themed ride intended for small children, is slower. Most of us who drive find our patience tested by being forced to drive under 30mph, perhaps for a school zone. So why does this imaginary visit to outer space feel so different?

My guess is that there are three simple factors:

1. It's dark, so you can't see what's coming.
2. The curves and drops are sudden.
3. You're not in control.

Of the three, the last is probably the key. I can never recall as a child being uncomfortable riding in a car, but I've noticed that the longer I've been a driver, the less I like being a passenger. When I'm at the wheel, I struggle to stay below the speed limit, but when someone else is driving, I frequently feel like they must be going too fast.

It's fitting, then, that Space Mountain is the centerpiece of Tomorrowland, because isn't that what we find difficult about our tomorrows? When life is predictable, and the future seems clear, we're fine, but when things get dark and we can't see what's coming, fear comes in. When things keep going more or less in the same direction, we feel safe, but when the curves and drops are sudden, we get anxious. And most of all, when we are in control of the decisions, speed is not an issue, but when we have to let go, even 28mph feels too fast.

Almost four years ago, I answered what I believed to be a call from God and signed up for seminary. It was a daunting task, but it rarely felt overwhelming, even through the countless long nights of reading and writing papers after a full day of work and family life. Oddly enough, I'm more anxious now at the end, days away from graduation. Through a series of events mostly outside my control, I'm less certain than ever what will come next in my life after school is done. I'm having to learn once again to trust that God is in control—and that that is better than me being in control, even in the dark. Especially in the dark.

Proverbs 27:1 warns us, "Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring." Even when we think we know the future, it can surprise us. Jesus teaches us to focus instead on trusting God right now, today:

"So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (Matt. 6:31-34) 

The Apostle Paul learned that although he was often not in control of his future, God was present with him no matter what, and that presence made all the difference. That's why he was able to assert, "I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love." (Rom. 8:38)

When we learn to yield control of our future to God, life becomes an adventure ride. I love the words of Joshua 3:5: "Then Joshua told the people, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you.” That's a promise that can apply for ourselves today, if we are willing to commit ourselves fully into God's hand in obedience and surrender. No one knows what tomorrow holds, but get ready: our God will do great wonders.

It will be dark. The curves will be sudden. We won't be in control. And the ride will be great. Let's go to Space Mountain.