Do Not Face the Dangerous Curves Ahead Alone

May 7, 2025

In the summer of 2022, my wife and I embarked on a journey from Maryland westward to Yellowstone National Park. We packed up our Class C RV and set off on an adventure. As we traveled through thirteen states and covered over 6,000 miles, we encountered countless signs warning us of Dangerous Curves Ahead.

Some curves were gentle and easy to navigate, while others were sharp and intimidating. The most harrowing part of our trip was through Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. Entering at the West Entrance, Grand Lake Station, we began our ascent on the Trail Ridge Road—known as the Highway to the Sky.

This 48-mile stretch, connecting Grand Lake Station to Estes Park, includes an 11-mile segment above the treeline, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet. As we climbed over 4,000 feet in minutes, we marveled at the Alpine Visitor Center, perched at 11,796 feet—over two miles above sea level. The tundra landscape was breathtaking yet stark, with patches of vibrant wildflowers breaking through the rock and ice. Although we did not spot any Big Horn Sheep or the elusive Pika, we did see a Marmot peeking from behind the rocks near the Visitor Center.

The ascent was manageable, but the descent was nerve-wracking. Warning signs—Dangerous Curves Ahead, Caution—loomed before us, reinforcing the reality of the treacherous path. My hands gripped the RV’s steering wheel tightly, while my wife, Debbie, sat beside me, praying as she gazed down into the deep valleys and ravines, noting the absence of guardrails.

The disciples faced their own Dangerous Curves Ahead. Filled with the Holy Spirit as their guide, they preached about Jesus Christ despite fierce opposition. On the day of Pentecost, Peter—who had once denied Jesus in fear—stood boldly before the same people he had once hidden from and declared, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:38-39).

Thousands believed. The early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). But their journey was not without peril.

Peter and John, on their way to the temple, encountered a man lame from birth who begged them for money. Instead, Peter responded, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” (Acts 3:6).

The man was healed instantly, leaping and praising God. Rather than celebrating, the religious leaders were greatly disturbed. They seized Peter and John and imprisoned them (Acts 4:1-10). Later, as more people were healed, the high priest and his followers reacted not with joy but with indignation, throwing the apostles into prison (Acts 5:16-18).

Yet, the disciples pressed on, refusing to be deterred by the Caution signs. Instead, they prayed, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus” (Acts 4:29-31). They stood firm, declaring, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (Acts 5:29).

Curve after curve, trial after trial, they held onto their faith.

Life often presents us with Dangerous Curves Ahead. The news bombards us with stories of war, poverty, disease, and division. We worry about finances, family, and the future. We face sickness, loss, and problems beyond our control. Even amid beauty and love, life remains challenging.

How do we persevere? How do we maintain hope and joy despite the road’s twists and turns?

Reflecting on the early church, we find an answer. Luke writes, “They were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Jesus had taught the disciples, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 11:28; 28:20).

Are we spending time with Jesus?

Bill Easum, in Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First, likens spiritual endurance to airline safety instructions: in an emergency, secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others. Jesus exemplified this in His prayer, “Father, glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you...” (John 17:1-5). Easum notes that Jesus first prayed for Himself, recognizing that He could not give what He did not have. Likewise, we must nurture our souls in God’s presence, so we have the strength to navigate life’s curves.

In the movie Tomorrowland, a character recalls an old parable: Two wolves are always fighting inside you. One is darkness and despair. The other is light and hope. When asked which wolf wins, the father responds, The one you feed.

Are we feeding the wolf of hope and light? Have we been with Jesus? If not, we may quickly find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s curves.

The disciples believed—not just in the possibility of a better future, but in its inevitability. They clung to God’s promises, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).