Many years ago my family and I were flying across country in a Piper Arrow. As we entered the southwest we spent the afternoon weaving our way around storm cells. As we neared Phoenix we skirted about a storm and hurriedly landed for fuel hoping to be back in the air before it arrived over Phoenix. We were all fueled and taxied to the number one position for takeoff when we got the following message, “Piper Arrow you are cleared for takeoff. However, the 747 behind you has chosen to wait because of wind shears on all four quadrants. What would you like to do?” Obviously we chose to wait.
Notice the choice was ours. The air traffic controller gave us clearance and then offered some very pertinent information. God does much the same. He gives us free control over our lives. He also offers pertinent information hoping we will be wise enough to heed His counsel. As we sat at the end of the runway the storm moved over us and the winds gave us a good shaking even as we sat on the ground. I was so glad we were not in the air.
Sometimes even when we are trying to do what God asks of us we get battered about. We think it is bad but had we not heeded God’s advice it would have been so very much worse. Just as a good pilot trusts the air traffic controller so does a good child of God trust Him. The air traffic controller does not want an accident to happen and neither does God. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
Written by Roger Bothwell on May 10, 2016
PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org