Peace In The Sky

I was tired.  I was feeling frayed at all ends when my husband announced he was going for a walk at the airport. Having just rallied after a conversation with God and a good cry, I jumped at the idea. I turned off my phone and left stacks of paperwork on my desk.

The sun shone brightly and the air was calm, the kind of weather that tempts pilots to go flying. As we stood on the sidelines watching, our elderly pilot friend offered to take us flying. Since our current airplane is still in the building stage we eagerly accepted his offer.

As we left the ground I felt the stress fall from my shoulders. I settled in the backseat content and deeply relaxed. From the air, the fields looked like patchwork quilts. I snapped a few pictures and thoroughly enjoyed the moment. Nearly 20 minutes into our flight we crossed over a majestic waterfall. As we circled above it to return, the engine on the plane suddenly began to run rough. Through the intercom I could hear my husband and our pilot friend discuss the problem. The instrument readings revealed that one of the cylinders had quit working. Now I know nothing about mechanics but I did know that the engine had at least four cylinders and, although rough, obviously it was still running.

I trusted the two men in front of me. The pilot in command had over 70 years of experience which included both air force and airline service. Worrying wasn’t going to change anything so I whispered a quick prayer knowing if we didn’t make it I was at peace with God and asked Him to save my children. Then I settled back into my previous relaxed state watching the ground below and took a few more pictures.

The pilot radioed ahead that we were preparing for landing with a partial engine failure. The engine began to pop and backfire as we descended and landed. It wasn’t until we were safely on the ground that I realized the concern in the front seat was rather elevated in comparison to what mine had been.

Later that night I recalled the day’s events. The reason for my relaxed attitude was that I trusted those who were in control. I knew they had experience and I would be safe.

The Bible warns us of the troubling times that are fast approaching. Jesus is soon to return! Like on my afternoon flight, I have no need to fear for He has promised to supply me with peace. I know that the “Pilot” in command is in control of the situation and can be trusted.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NLT

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6 & 7 NLT