from the flight deck...

“From the flight deck...”

If you have traveled via plane more than a couple times, you probably have come to dread these words from the captain. They are usually followed with something like “Well folks, we were number 2 for takeoff, but were just notified about some bad weather and we are now delayed for 1 hour. We are going to park the plane in a waiting area and will let you know if there are any updates.”

As you sit there, you have absolutely zero control over when that plane leaves. You could curl up and cry, stand up and shake your first (this may get you removed from the plane...in cuffs) or sit their patiently. It is not easy, in fact, it’s one of the reasons I hate to fly for work.

Now that being said, aside from poor planning on the airline’s part, the control tower often has a view that we do not. It could be weather locally, in between or at the destination. They have a lot of information and their job is to keep us safe. It is certainly not fun to sit and wait for an hour, or more, and have no idea if the next announcement is going to be “we are cleared” or “sorry folks, we have an update and it’s not good...”. From my seat, I just want to get where I need to go.

This is life too though. We have a destination in mind, but anytime something happens, our instinct is to try and control the outcome. But God, in His infinite wisdom, all seeing and all knowing, is sitting in His control tower. He may put a delay in your path. He may put obstacles in your way. He may be saying “trust Me, this fallen world is causing strife, so sit and rest in Me while I take you through it.”

Often times, usually some time after, we see the wisdom of waiting, or resting, or trusting Him. In the middle of it though, dang, it can be hard. Trusting God is not always easy, but for our sake, it’s absolutely necessary. Often times, during that time, He will inject comfort into our situation. It may be an opportunity to serve, it may be a brother or sister coming along side you and just walking through the turmoil with you. Much like a soda and a package of cookies while I wait to take off, He provides for us.

I don’t think we ever master this though. I think we continue to grow in Him and learn to trust His view more and more. But we all experience that dreaded “sorry folks, we will be here for....” and in the middle of it, unless we intentionally look to Him in that moment, it won’t feel great. Trust in Him. Trust He has your back. Trust He can see ahead of you, infinite possibilities ahead of you and He has a very specific one planned for you.

Proverbs 17:3 gives us hope of refinement through this world’s trials. Stand firm and let Him guide you through the storms. Let Him refine you. He loves you, despite your faults and failures, He loves you. Let that sink in...He (God of all)loves you!