We were on our way back home from vacation with a layover in Minneapolis before we reached our final destination of Cincinnati. It was one of those travels days swirling with a mix of snow, rain, and winds that usually cause major delays but in our case, everything was still running true to schedule. The only hold up occurring was as we waited on the tarmac for our turn to depart. I was traveling with my family so I was able to have the window seat. Although most people normally peer through the window I usually keep the window closed until we’re up in the air. Not because I have an immense fear of flying but takeoffs and landing are usually where I struggle with uneasiness and therefore illicit the most significant amount of prayers versus viewing the departures or landings.
Today was different as the winds danced with the snow and rain it sparked my interest to see the plane being deiced while I peered through precipitation slowly making its way down my window. There was a line of planes waiting their turn to take off so watching the processional drew my attention away from my normal routine. I was curious yet anxious for our turn to depart so we could end this final leg of the flight home.
Finally, it was our turn and as the engines revved up at an accelerated speed the plane began to ascend off the ground. I could see houses and buildings at first and then it became totally clouded not those soft pillow-shaped clouds that I often wish I can take a nap on but a shroud of grey clouds mixed with misty fog that was impenetrable to the naked eye. I became slightly concerned because if I can’t see I couldn’t imagine how the pilot was able to see how to stay on course. Certain questions began to cross my mind…Who was directing the pilot? Did I trust the pilot? Were all the instruments to guide the pilot working correctly? Well, if I didn’t trust the pilot what would I be able to do about it, absolutely nothing!
Really, In the end, the answer to these questions all pertained to one thing…me having to trust in the pilot to see what I couldn’t see with my own natural eyes in order to fly the plane safely. In precisely those moments of questions, God reminded me that was the same expectation He had for me as I journey through life, I have to trust Him. I can’t see everything…but He can! I’m not in charge…but He is! My trust ought to be in Him as confidently as I trust in the pilot to get us home safely
Throughout the Bible, we are given countless references to trust in God. because He can see through the fog, clouds. storms, and rains of our lives without fail.
- Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:5
- Trust in Him at all times, O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8
- Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
- “Trust in the LORD forever, For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock. Isaiah 26:4
- Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5
- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
- “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1
- For we live by believing and not by seeing. 2 Cor 5:7
Nothing can block His view like it most certainly can block us from seeing at a distance. God can see through the fog, clouds. storms and rains of our lives without the instruments the pilot has to use in order to fly securely.
As the flight reached over 32,000 feet we soared above the clouds to peaceful skies. God told me to soak it all in versus shutting out the beautiful serene view. I reflected on the fact that God can do the same thing in our lives, taking us beyond what we can’t see to a place of peace and serenity in Him. I then laid back and began to rest only to soon hear the pilot announce that we would be hitting some turbulence and to stay buckled up.
I had to make the same decision as prior in completely trust the abilities of the pilot to get us through the choppy skies. This again is another reminder that when life’s turbulence shakes us up we must still depend on God to see and navigate those difficult places, we simply have to stay buckled up.
We eventually made it through the turbulence and landed safely in Cincinnati all the while I was able to parallel this flight to my flight through life with God. I have the assurance of knowing that God is guiding me regardless of what I can perceive. I hope you realize the same in your journey with God.
I might imagine, that if there was jet travel in Jesus’ day, He might have used flight in a parable somewhere. Much the same as Rhonie is doing here.
Lest the flight comparison be taken for granted, the lesson of faith and of trust is one that is emphazied over and over and over in scripture. We cannot afford to overlook it. Like look at the scriptures Rhonie quotes in her article. They are enough to take you someplace, if we would Only Believe.
This article reminds me, and us, of the glory of walking by faith and not by sight. Note that when we do, like the article says, REST is the result. I like Rest a lot more, than I like Stress.
Thank you for this relevant article.