What A Ride!

Several years ago my younger brother provided me with the opportunity to go up in a stunt glider while we were visiting on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. After liftoff he told the rest of the family that if I got sick, he would get his money's worth. Well, that he did not get, but I had the thrill of a lifetime. Though I must admit I skipped lunch that afternoon as my stomach did need to settle down a bit, I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the G-forces, momentary weightlessness, looping, and flying upside down. And besides all that, it was A WONDERFUL VIEW from up high in the sky.

Prior to the flight, the pilot -- who would sit behind me -- had helped me strap on a parachute and then get strapped into the cockpit of the glider. [A parachute? That can make one wonder.] He then explained what things were around me and drew my attention to a red handle in front of me that he said to not touch unless I was directed to do so in an emergency. That red handle was the means by which the cockpit cover (which he said was pretty expensive) could be released if ejection from the glider was necessary. [Ejection? Oh, yes, the parachute. Hmm.]

I could not have controlled the stick of that glider through the rolls, dives, and G-forces experienced, but fighting against the forces of gravity and inertia was not a problem for me. It was the pilot who made these flights several times a day who worked through all of that. Though it was my first flight, it was not his, so I left that in hands! I was merely up there for the ride and what a ride it was. Stunt after stunt the pilot would name it, describe it, and then I'd experience it. Those straps did a wonderful job of keeping me in my seat and the parachute did not have to be used.

Life is full of varying circumstances and situations that can cause anxiety and uneasiness. Perhaps we struggle when we are not able to be in control. However, let us REMEMBER GOD'S TRACK RECORD and that HE IS WITH US through it all.

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he encouraged. . .
"(4) For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that THROUGH ENDURANCE AND through the ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES we might HAVE HOPE." ( Romans 15:4 ESV)

Life definitely has its ups and downs. Sometimes we experience great weight attempting to pull us down. Now, I in no way am attempting to minimize the challenges we may face. However, where we remain focused will make a world of difference in how we move through them.

In view of his own experiences, Paul stated. . .
"(8) We are afflicted in every way, BUT NOT CRUSHED; perplexed, BUT NOT DRIVEN TO DESPAIR; (9) persecuted, BUT NOT FORSAKEN; struck down, BUT NOT DESTROYED; (10) always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so THAT THE LIFE OF JESUS MAY ALSO BE MANIFESTED IN OUR BODIES." ( 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 ESV)

Life challenges are real. They can become very unsettling. However, with the help of God we can defy the gravity and learn to ENJOY THE VIEW from the loftiness of A HEAVENLY PERSPECTIVE. He is with us all the way. Leave the control in His hands.

Have a great day TRUSTING GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING!
Carl

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