June 3 - Flying By Faith

Flying By Faith

In his book, Freedom in Christ, Dr. Neil Anderson, tells about a young pilot that had just passed the point of no return when the weather changed for the worse.  Visibility dropped to a matter of feet as fog descended to the earth.  Putting total trust in the cockpit instruments was a new experience to him, for the ink was still wet on the certificate verifying that he was qualified for instrument flying.

The landing worried him the most.  His destination was a crowded metropolitan airport with which he wasn’t familiar.  In a few minutes, he would be in radio contact with the tower.  Until then, he was alone with his thoughts.  His instructor had practically forced him to memorize the rulebook.  He didn’t care for it at the time, but now he was thankful.

           

Finally he heard the voice of the air traffic controller, “I’m going to put you on a holding pattern,” the controller radioed.  “Great!” thought the pilot.  However, he knew that his safe landing was in the hands of this person.  He had to draw upon his previous instructions and training, and trust the voice of an air traffic controller he couldn’t see.  Aware that this was no time for pride, he informed the controller, “This is not a seasoned pro up here.  I would appreciate any help you could give me.”    “You’ve got it!” he heard back.

For the next 45 minutes, the controller gently guided the pilot through the blinding fog.  As course and altitude corrections came periodically, the young pilot realized the controller was guiding him around obstacles and away from potential collisions.  With the words of the rulebook firmly placed in his mind, and with the gentle voice of the controller, he landed safely at last.

In the midst of challenges, we can always hold onto God’s promises to guide us through difficult times.  Here are eleven guarantees you can always keep:

1. 1.    God’s presence – “I will never leave you” Hebrews 13:5
   2.    God’s protection – “I am your shield” (Genesis 15:1)
   3.    God’s power – “I will strengthen you” (Isaiah 41:10)
   4.    God’s provision – “ I will help you”  (Isaiah 41:10)
   5.    God’s purposes – “I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jeremiah 20:11)
   6.    God’s rest – “Come unto Me…and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
   7.    God’s cleansing – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)
   8.    God’s goodness – “No good thing will He withhold from you” (Psalm 84:11)
   9.    God’s faithfulness – “The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake”    (1 Samuel 12:22)
   10.  God’s guidance – “He will guide the humble” (Psalm 25:9)
   11.  God’s flight plan -  “All things work together for good to them that love God”        (Romans 8:28)

 

The next time you face trials and turbulence, remember the Holy Spirit is there to guide you, and God’s Word is there to reassure you no matter what storm comes your way.          

Consider reading the Word today:

 

Terry Risser

Copyright 2014   - Terry Risser