I Rode a Roller Coaster With Jesus

I need to confess something: I am terrified of roller coasters. Full-on nervous wreck, crippling fear. I’m the type who trembles in line, stomach in knots, thinking, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

Truth be told, I was diagnosed with a generalised anxiety disorder over a decade ago when I became agoraphobic. But that’s a story for another day. Let’s just call it high-anxiety moments. So, for my brothers and sisters out there who suffer with anxiety, you can probably understand just how debilitating it can feel.

Meanwhile, my children love roller coasters. They beg me to go with them every time. And every time I say no, I stand at the ride exit with a shattered heart, mamma guilt weighing heavy, fighting back tears.

It makes me hate myself. I feel like a failure, a loser, an outright bad parent. I desperately want to have all the fun with my kids — but their thrill for roller coasters and my crippling fear just don’t mix.

But one day, something in me shifted. I wanted to take that leap of faith. Not just for my kids, but because I wanted to trust God with something that genuinely scared me. I wanted to practice full surrender.

So there I was: strapped in, heart pounding, ready to bolt — but too late. The restraints locked. My only option? Pray.

I bowed my head and whispered in my heart:

“Jesus, let this roller coaster be a symbol of how I let You run my life. Let me roll on faith through the highs, lows, twists, and turns — and enjoy every second. Sit with me, like You always do. Join my boys and me for this ride, Jesus.”

And then… it happened.

I instantly felt warmth and calm wash over me. My fear melted into joy as the ride took off. His presence filled me like holy fire. My trembling became peace. My terror became laughter. Suddenly, I wasn’t just surviving the roller coaster — I was loving it.

I know the difference between calming myself during a panic attack and what I felt that day. This wasn’t me. This was Him. It was like being wrapped in the safest hug imaginable.

The drops that should’ve made me scream instead made me laugh. The loops didn’t crush me; they freed me. All I could do was praise the Lord above, right there on the ride.

That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just about a theme park. This was life.

Life is a roller coaster — full of ups, downs, twists, flips, and moments where you think, “I can’t do this.”But when Jesus is next to you, you’re strapped in safe. You can throw your hands up, let the wind hit your face, and trust the ride.

I’ll never forget the day I rode a roller coaster with Jesus. It became a turning point in truly understanding what it means to surrender it to God. And now, roller coasters? They’ve become bonding time with my boys — joy instead of dread.

And here’s the beautiful part: sometimes God speaks through our children. They push us out of comfort zones, urging us to face what we normally wouldn’t. My kids pressuring me to ride roller coasters? That was holy fire speaking through them. They make me a better person and are the greatest gift God has given me. Through them, I’ve come to understand how Jesus loves us — unconditionally, flaws and all.

All glory to the Lord who takes trembling fear and turns it into joy. 🙌

From Roller Coasters to Real Life

For me, the roller coaster was a symbol of surrender. I was terrified, but I handed it over to Jesus — and He turned it into joy.

For you, it might not be a roller coaster. It might be sitting down with your budget. Applying for a new job. Launching that business God put on your heart. Facing the mountain of debt you’ve been avoiding. Or even something small.

Go to Him with everything. He cares about it all — even the smallest things.

Whatever your “roller coaster” is — that thing that makes your stomach drop and your palms sweat — the answer is the same: praise the Lord and hand it over.

When you surrender, you stop white-knuckling your way through life. You throw your hands up, trust the One who holds you safe, and discover that freedom is actually fun.

That’s the glow up. That’s the pay down. That’s living free. 🙌

Verses to hold on too

✨ Psalm 34:4

I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.

✨ Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

✨ John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

✨ 2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

✨ Proverbs 3:5–6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.