In lieu of all the storms that have ravaged our area and nation over these last several weeks, we sometimes need a little reminder that God is still in control and that He still loves us; no matter what. I love sharing this old story with you that does just that.
A pastor 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 the pastor 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.”
And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard 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 later 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 distressed and many were praying. The future seemed gloomy and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm. Then I 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. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm and it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that little girl was unafraid. I could hardly believe my eyes.”
When the plane finally landed, and all the passengers were hurrying to unload the pastor stayed behind to speak to the little girl whom he had watched so long. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked her why she had not been afraid. The child simply replied, “Cause my Daddy’s the pilot and he’s taking me home.”
What a lesson for us to learn. Our Father is our ‘Pilot’ and He is taking us home. In life’s storms, no matter what mode they take, He still has our best interest in mind, and He will never leave us or forsake us. I love the Psalmist words in Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” No matter what we face or how bad it might possibly be or even become, God’s presence is there and He provides comfort.
Pastor Michael Tunnell
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