If you have ever traveled by airplane, you have probably witnessed flying through turbulence. It is a little daunting hearing the pilot say, “please fasten your seatbelts, for we will be traveling through some turbulence shortly.” It becomes a little eerie when the flight attendants are asked to take their seats and fasten their seatbelts. Once the plane enters the turbulence, it begins to bounce around in the sky as if it is out of control, but the pilot very calmly speaks again to suggest the plane will be out of the turbulence soon. It is amazing watching some passengers bravely act as if they barely heard the announcement from the pilot. They continue with their activities as if nothing was said or if anything is about to happen. However, there are those of us who quietly begin to pray and seek God’s intervention as we are tossed around in the sky like a yo-yo.
God does have a way of getting our attention when we seem to ignore Him and put our trust in a man or woman. There has on one occasion when traveling by airplane that the plane dropped and bumped so hard that people started screaming, while some of us started calling on the name of Jesus. It is true that the pilot of the plane has some control, but we must be reminded that God is in total control. An experience such as this has a tendency to test our spiritual maturity and faith.
What can we learn from the turbulent experiences in our lives is the question I ask all of us reading this message? As believers, we must trust our God in the storms of life. There are times it seems as if we should or could panic, but this is the time for our faith should be the strongest.
Has life tossed and thrown you around lately? If you ever experience turbulence on a flight or on the ground, remember who has the power to bring about calmness and security. Psalm 62:2 states, “Yes, He alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress. If we embrace this scripture, we realize we have nothing to fear. “
There are times when it feels and seems like so much is completely out of control. Regardless of who we are, we must accept the fact that we will experience some turbulence in our personal lives. Those times in which we are feeling overwhelmed is when we should remind ourselves that the Lord is always on our side and is always with us. “Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
This nation has faced a great deal of turbulence since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, yet we are still here. It is evident that we are a divided nation that is constantly going through turbulent times. It is unprecedented that a man who is seeking the White House has spent several weeks in the court house which has placed the nation in what people of integrity consider to be a shame and disgrace.
Whatever turbulence you may be facing today, just remember that our God gives us peace beyond our understanding. Even in a world where there is so much turbulence and unrest, we serve a God that protects and shields us from destruction. The comforting words of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”
As we confront the challenges of today and those that await us, just know that our God protects us from harm. One of my favorite scriptures puts it this way, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2)
In times such as these, remember God hears and answers prayer!
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
