Whenever I visit Alaska, I pray a lot and bring along an extra amount of antacids. While I enjoy flying, doing so around jagged mountain peaks in the fog and clouds adds a dimension of excitement that I could really do without.
My partner and I had just climbed aboard a small commercial plane that was going to return us from our hunting adventure near Lake Clark to the International Airport in Anchorage. The pilot was instructing his co-pilot on how to navigate through the tricky Inland Passage through the mountains. The pilots love to fly this route because of the scenery and the opportunity to show off their flying skills. The narrow passage calls for numerous changes in altitude and direction as they maneuver through the mountain range.
Shortly after taking off, the co-pilot guided our craft towards the notorious pass. Within minutes it became very apparent that the limited visibility would not let us proceed. We would’ve been flying blind. Beads of sweat began to pop out on my forehead as the plane became engulfed in clouds.
The co-pilot finally decided to climb to an altitude where he could pick up a navigational beacon that would direct us safely to our destination. That adventure reminded me of how the Holy Spirit guides us in all of life.
In Proverbs 3:5–7, we find a wonderful admonition, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path.”
Our lives can be compared to a pilot making a flight through a cloudy mountain range. He must rely on someone else to keep him on track. The air traffic controller gives him his course and the best possible route to take, and eventually helps him land safety. The pilot may question the controller’s judgment and contemplate going his own way, but this could lead him into dense fog, low-lying power lines, or oncoming air traffic that would end his trip in a hurry. The pilot must trust the controller because he sees the bigger picture, he knows what lies ahead, and he knows the way.
So, it is with us when we try to pilot our way through life instead of relying on God as our Omnipotent Controller. The future is history, not a mystery for God. He sees the way clear ahead of us, and guides us, with our best in mind.
Are you flying through some stormy problems or uncharted circumstances? Do you know the direction you wish to take? Check-in with the Master Controller — He will guide and direct your path.
Scripture Reading: Psalms 48:14
Personal Application
What course are you on? To what extent are you seeking guidance from the One who sees the whole plan and can give you the best directions?
Jim Grassi, D. Min. and Wendell Morton
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5