KEEP ON FLYING
KEEP ON FLYING
Prior to our departure into Colorado Springs, the pilot gave us our flight forecast. He told us that we would be cruising about 32,000 feet in the air; however, we would experience a few bumps on the way in. He also made it clear that it would be nothing to be alarmed about and that it was just like the bumps in every day life. I thought that was interesting when he said that and begin to ponder it in thought. But the story didn’t end there. As we approached closer, the stewardess addressed the matter as well. She said that the captain was going to turn on the fasten seat belt sign because our entrance into the Springs was going to be bumpy and that we needed to make sure our seat belts were securely fastened. Well, I had had just about enough of that! But, then, we had one more warning from the pilot that we were getting closer to Colorado Springs and that it would be very bumpy so hold on! Okay. Enough is enough! I love flying but I hate the bumps! I surely learned the meaning of praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5: 17)! And after every announcement, I prayed even harder that God would keep us safe and smooth out the flight. But I was well aware that some bumps should be expected. I shouldn’t think that we would not encounter any bumps at all. Why? Because we are in the air! Just so, we must expect some bumps while we are here in this world. Why? Because we are in this life! Let me tell you my experiences and lessons learned from this flight so that we may: KEEP ON FLYING!
First, I learned that the bumps didn’t stop the progress. As we were flying, we would from time to time run into some bumps. But we were still flying! And as unpleasant as the bumps were (to me that is) we were still on our way to our destination—home! It is that way in life my friends. We will encounter the bumps in life just like the bumps in the air. But while we are on ground level, we should continue to press on. Life is full on bumps. And we will never rid ourselves of them completely as long as we are in this life. Just as the jet was flying through the bumps in the air, we must have the fortitude to get through the bumps in this life. Therefore, keep on flying!
Second, I learned that the bumps involved everyone and not just me. How often do we think the bumps we are facing in life are just unique to us? Everyone on the plane was experiencing the bumps. We were all on the same “plane.” And everyone had to handle the bumps just like me. Your bumps are not unique to you. Whatever they may be, you can handle it just like they have been handled by those before you. Now, the question on the floor is, how will you handle it? I noticed that some were calm and cool. Some were tense. Some were even sleeping! It is ours, as much as is possible, to ferret out God’s will about the matter and trust in His sovereign care. We should seek the proper counsel, pray about it and keep on flying!
Third, I learned that bumps are only temporary. That is, they don’t last forever. I have been on flights where it was bumpy the entire flight! But we still eventually landed. Life has its season of bumps; some shorter and some longer. We must endure the bumps till the end! Even though the bumps were unpleasant to me, I still had the assurance that we will finally land. So, I girded up my resolve to deal with them. The Bible teaches, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34: 19). And believe me, I was praying for deliverance! Question: Why should I become overly exercised about something soon to end? Friends, the bumps in life don’t last forever. Therefore, keep on flying!
Finally, I learned the most important lesson of all: God is in control! Would you know it, as we were flying and I kept hearing the warnings about this bumpy flight, it never happened! What? That’s right, it never happened! Sure, there were little bumps here and there—but the predicted forecast never happened! At one time as I looked out the window, it was very cloudy—thick clouds that assured me we were in for it now! Well, nothing happened. Okay, maybe it will happen when we turn a certain direction? No—still nothing. Well, surely when we begin to make our descent, that’s when it would occur? Friends, it never happened! I am convinced that they (the pilot and stewardess) all knew what they were talking about and reported what they saw from a natural standpoint. I am even more convinced and further convicted that God controlled the whole situation because I was praying! Peter wrote “…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5: 7). I’m reminded of the storm the disciples were in. “Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm” (Mark 4: 39). Jesus did it because of His disciples! On this particular flight, He had a praying child of God! I thank God for all those who prayed for a safe flight. But I was specifically praying for a smooth flight! And our God rebuked the wind—put it in time out because I (and perhaps others) was praying for a smooth flight in. This was indeed the greatest lesson of them all. Let us remember the same. The forecast is one thing; the end result is another. I am now more confident and grounded in God’s power when the bumps in life confront me. And through my story it should ground you as well. Therefore: KEEP ON FLYING!
~Stacey Mobley