Buckle Up!

It's been so long since I've posted, I was half-way expecting my computer to spaz out on me from shock when I clicked on the "New Post" button. Ha! :)

Actually, today's post is not written by me. I wish I could claim it as my own though! I have had so very many ideas and word pictures that God has given me through the past several months, but at this moment in time, for reasons unbeknownst to me, He's not allowed me to expound on any of them.

When God begins preparing me for something, He repeats himself. The most recent lesson I've had to learn was, "Be Still." Everywhere I turned, everywhere I looked, everyone I spoke to had the same message: "Be Still." I certainly don't have that lesson down pat yet, but I have slowed my life down considerably from where it was. However, I think we're about to kick it up a notch. I'm honestly not quite sure what all God is up to, but I know it's big. He's given me several Bible verses & has confirmed the message to me in a variety of ways that can be summed up by saying, "Buckle Up!"

While cleaning out some papers from my computer cabinet this morning, I happened upon this story (I don't remember where I got it from, and there's no name on it either). However, I thought it was appropriate in light of what I feel may be lying ahead for me & my family.

"Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences of his life.

He 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 he 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 even above the roar of the engines. Lightning 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 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 alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

Then, I suddenly 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 when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid.

The child replied, "Cause my daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us.

Physical, mental, financial, domestic and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

But let us remember: Our Father is the pilot. He is in control and is taking us home. Don't worry."

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8