“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
Don’t Take the Chicken Exit . . .
Our family visited an amusement park every summer when I was growing up. My favorite ride: a rollercoaster called the Tornado. Ironically, it was also the ride I dreaded the most.
When I stood in line with my dad, I lived in the tension of wanting to get on the ride, but fearing I would literally plummet to my death if I did. While inching forward in line, my stomach lurched. My breath came out in hot spurts.
When we reached the platform, I could see the sign that hung over a nearby doorway. It read simply, “Chicken Exit.” The Chicken Exit was an escape for anyone who decided, at the last minute, that they didn’t want to ride the Tornado after all. I almost always considered walking through the Chicken Exit, but I never once took the escape. I always got on the ride.
With Dad at my side, I felt brave. I’d step into the rollercoaster car. We’d click-click-click up the first hill, and then plunge straight to earth, before rocketing up another hill, and then another.
Dad and I would laugh through the whole ride. Sometimes I’d get brave enough to lift my hands into the air while the July sun beat down on us. When it was all over, I’d beg Dad to get back in the line again.
Now that I’m an adult, I see how life is a lot like waiting in line to ride the Tornado. We want to live life with adventure, but we feel the pull of the nearest Chicken Exit. Because we’re afraid.
Yet Scripture says God gives us strength for this adventure called life. Furthermore, God gives us the ability to laugh, even in the face of our fears!
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” {Proverbs 31:25}.
I am not naturally brave. When I think about the future, I sometimes want to take the easy way out. Laugh at the future? Let me confess to you that, some days, you’re more likely to find me rocking back and forth in a corner.
But then I remember what I learned on those July afternoons with Dad at my side. If I took the Chicken Exit, I would have missed out on all the fun. I would have missed out on the adventure my father intended for me.
The same goes for you. As the new week begins, your Heavenly Father is inviting you to take a seat next to Him. He won’t force you to get on the ride. He knows that you’ll be tempted to take the Chicken Exit. But if you step into the adventure, He’ll guarantee you the ride of your life. Together, you’ll laugh. You’ll marvel at the strength you didn’t know you had. You might just get brave enough to lift your hands in the air.
And then, don’t be surprised when you hear yourself say it out loud to your Heavenly Father: “Let’s do it again, Dad!”
Where do you need God to supernaturally clothe you with strength for the week ahead?
Webbgurl2000 says
I have been recovering from my hysterectomy forever. I’m tired. Overweight. Alone. Lonely. I don’t have a community, but I try to encourage others online daily.
Family are strange people on both sides. They don’t visit. My husband works long hours.
Friends, I gave up long ago in a domestic controlling situation. So, I know them on Facebook only. Me and my two Kids with Aspergers 17 and 21 are it.
I need strength to hold on until I can take up my bed and walk! Not to give up on God. To just hope for one one day. Hopefully, that He will provide inner strength a community of safe, loving godly people to be a support system for me and my kids where our family had walked away!!!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Hi Webbgurl,
Praying for strength and healing for you. God is always there…even though circumstances want to make you believe otherwise. He sees, He knows, He cares, and He loves you!! Here’s a cyber hug and a thank you for the way you make me laugh…that’s a gift!
Blessings friend,
Bev ((Hugs))
Beth Williams says
Webbgurl,
Prayers for complete healing. May God give you the strength, courage, peace and comfort you need! I pray He will send one good friend your way to encourage you.
((((((Hugs))))))
Julia says
I stand with you in this prayer, Beth.
An says
Webbgurl, May the Lord bless you so deeply with His love and gentleness today. He never leaves us and understands our sufferings, wanting to give us all good things. May He grant you a godly family that will walk with you as you journey with Him in closer relationship 🙂 Hugs 🙂
Julia says
Webbgurl2000,
I understand about loneliness and people misunderstanding or walking away from you, but Jesus is close to you. He is close to the broken-hearted and He will never leave or forsake you, even when it seems like He has. (I feel that way now actually, but He continues to get me to hold on.) I think God gives community in a strange but life giving ways. I’ve found community online, where I don’t have it in my life right now. Because I struggle with making people into God, this is I think helping me to lean on Him and talk to Him alone. It’s still a struggle whether on or offline really, but I know He is with me and hears.
May he send you a friend that sticks closer than a brother and in the meantime be your strength and joy. He will fight for you, you need only be still. In Jesus name, amen.
dukeslee says
Praying for you, Webbgurl… xo
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Jennifer,
This reminds me of days with my dad at White Swan Park. I remember the big roller coaster that, as a child, seemed so daunting. As an adult, I remember looking back and saying, “That little thing…what was I so afraid of?” That’s another thing about fears, they often present themselves as much bigger than they really are. The message you so beautifully gave still holds true. If I take hold of my Father’s hand… climb into the seat beside Him…I will be in for the greatest adventure and He will never let me fall.
Blessings,
Bev
dukeslee says
Ha! How true! Thanks for extending the analogy. This is great. Have a wonderful week, Bev.
Beth Williams says
Denise,
Life can get scary at times. There are days & times you want to take the chicken exit. Doing that you might miss the adventure God has planned for you. Sit back grab your daddy’s hand and go for the ride of your life! God has a trail He wants you to blaze & an amazing journey of His amazing grace!
Blessings 🙂
dukeslee says
Amen! Thanks Beth.
An says
Hello dear companions. Would you please pray for all those whom the Lord knows that I pray for this week? Would you please pray that the Lord helps me to receive what He wants to give, to surrender to His love and will in trust? May Jesus bless each of us today and always in His good, good shepherd way that we may walk with Him in hopeful joy and peace 🙂
Graham says
Praying with & for you
dukeslee says
Praying here, too, An. xo
Webbgurl2000 says
Pray with You Dear An, that the Lord will open up new doorways for you!
Graham says
I pray that God gives me strength to accomplish the things that He has set before me in my home, work, & school. There are times when I want to take the Chicken exit. Then I remind myself that His grace is sufficient, & He won’t let me fall. When I slip, He’s there as my safety net.
dukeslee says
Praying for God to grant you strength for the journey, Graham.
Paris Renae says
Wow, Jennifer, what an awesome post. I write Living Braver so this really resonates. Beautifully written and such a good illustration. Your Daddy is using your fingers to reach the hearts He loves and wants to encourage to stay the course.
dukeslee says
Thank you, Paris Renae! Have a great week.
Rebecca Jones says
I remember being about 4 or so and I had to get my mother to have them stop it. I haven’t been on a roller coaster since but I’ve had plenty of other opportunities to let fear in, and thankfully have not. God is good all the time, even if we have to hold on through ups and down.
dukeslee says
Thanks for sharing, Rebecca.
Kristen says
This was a really excellent post…loved the imagery. Thanks for helping me see where God is leading today…and be ready to laugh tomorrow!
dukeslee says
Glad you’re here, Kristen.
Jenny Howell says
Oh man Jennifer… We are on a major adventure over here! House on the market, Family Pastor job search in full swing and 5 kids in the middle of it all. The fear stricken days come and thankfully they go – but only when my heart is set on His timeline and not resting on mine. Thanks for helping us all feel normal and needing His strength :).
dukeslee says
Saying a prayer for you this morning, Jenny! Thanks for sharing with me.
Rebekah says
I need God’s help to allow myself too feel. I’ve turned off my emotions almost entirely for years due to some traumatic events, but I believe God is wanting me to change this. I don’t know how to go about this, and I’m very afraid to let go of the tight control I’ve had in this area for such a long time.
dukeslee says
Oh Rebekah … I am praying for you, praying for God to help you during all of this!
Anna says
Oh I need this for myself and my family. Our next door neighbour assulted my husband in front of our children as we were trying to take them to school. He wriggled out of being charged by lying and intimidating another neighbour so they won’t testify against him. Since then has compliained to anyone he can think of about anything he can think of so we have had letters from the council, visits from the police etc. they all say that they know we didn’t do the things when we talk to them about the history. But the upshot it constant stress I have had 8 migraines in two weeks, my husband is in sleeping pills. My daughter is scarred to get in or out of the car if he is outside we keep praying on the armour and trying not to be intimidated but it is tough. He has now applied to be a director on the management committe of our housing estate and canvassing people to vote for him. We can’t move as our house is only worth 50% of the market value as we bought it as an affordable so we cannot buy anything else. We are daydreaming of moving and running a holiday buisness but this cost a million. It is the only thing keeping me sane. I need to lean in God, maybe not laugh in the neighbours face as it would inflame him. Feel like we are waiting for the next attack so we can get evidence against him. (He has hit. My husband and thrown cat food at him previously as well as stopping us doing a paid job around the estate.) I am very proud of my husband for literally turning the other cheek but just want it to end
dukeslee says
Oh Anna …. You have endured so much. I am praying for you and your family this morning.
Lynn B. says
Wow, I love this picture you created with your words. I want to go for the ride and fly past that chicken exit. No need to fear because God’s got me 🙂
Jen says
Wow, did this speak to me today! through tears. I haven’t taken the exit, but I’m not getting on either. thank you for reminding me I’m not alone.
I read the comments below, and realize we all feel so alone when we are scared, tired, weak. And this is when God sends girlfriend angels into my life. What a miracle this connection is – it is our community.
Sue Donaldson says
love this – great post, jennifer!
Lynn Mosher says
Oh, Jennifer, you are truly a brave soul! When I was very young, I went to a birthday party at a children’s amusement park and got on one of those baby roller coasters. I screamed so much, they had to let me off! Have never ridden another one! Hmmm…story fodder? LOL Always love your stories. And this was another wonderful one. Thank you for sharing your gift. Blessings to you! 😀