Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his sermon, he told a story of one of the most frightening, yet thought-provoking, experiences of his life.
He had been on a long flight from one place to another. The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: ‘Fasten your seat belts.”
Then, after a while, a calm voice said, “We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.” As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive.
Later, the voice of the announcer said, “We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us.”
Then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightening lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.
The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, “As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.”
He continued, “Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs. But, worry and fear were not in her world.
“The plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm and it lurched this way and that. As it rose and fell with frightening severity, all the adults were scared half to death. Yet that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid.”
The minister continued that he could hardly believe his eyes. It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, the pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.
Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.
The child replied, “‘Cause my Daddy’s the pilot, and he’s taking me home.”
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There are many kinds of storms that buffet us:
• Physical
• Mental
* Financial
* Domestic, and…
* COVID-19
Such storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane (lives) into apparently uncontrollable fear and uncertainty. All of us have known such times in the past and all of us are facing the big storm of coronavirus now.
It is certainly much easier to be at rest when “our feet are on the ground” and when answers are in the offing than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky of fear and the unknown.
But, let us all remember…GOD OUR FATHER IS OUR PILOT…He is in control. There is no situation we will ever face that is out of God’s control. The best place to be, always, is right with Him, ready for when He takes us home.
- Author Unknown
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Anxiety and fear are relentless. These are two of the enemy’s most popular weapons that he uses against us. The longer you struggle with fear, the more likely it is for you to be overwhelmed by it, allowing it to control your every decision and move.
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. Isaiah 41:10
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
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they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:
If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.
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