Off We Go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder!

As the plane taxied down the runway, the anxiety within me heightened. Behind me sat 28 middle schoolers, many who had never flown before. I wasn't sure what I would do if one of them started freaking out. The engines screamed as we began to lift into the air. As we zoomed toward the clouds  I glanced behind me to be sure everything was under control. That's when I noticed it. The sweet, child-like faith of the students.

They were scared, and they were freaking out, only not in the screaming, hysterical way I had imagined. Instead they had linked arms with the person beside them. Some had even stretched across the aisle to hold hands. No one made fun of those who were scared,  but instead they offered words of encouragement to one another.

Soon we broke through the clouds and into the great beyond. The pilot came on and asked everyone to remain seated and buckled because storms were raging below us. It's odd to think it can be wildly storming under the clouds, but perfectly sunny above them.

We would be wise to apply the lessons of flying to our lives.  We live in a world full of things that scare us. Sometimes it seems the whole world has gone nuts. Tragedies surround us, people are outraged,  and cruelty commonly flies out of people's mouths. What if, instead of joining in the chaos, we just fasten our seat belts,  hold hands with one another,  and reassure those we love everything is going to turn out alright. Today I challenge you. Don't be one who freaks out and participates in the violent storms. Instead be an umbrella for others and show them the sunlight just beyond the clouds.

A Fish Story

Have you ever wondered how in the world you got yourself into a particular situation? At times we've all wondered how and why we find ouselves in tough spots. Often we get caught up in the storms of life,  and we find ourselves in places we'd rather not be.

God used a man named Jonah to teach us to trust Him during difficult trials on our life. Through Jonah we learn to grow, even when our circumstances don't seem optimal. Jonah found himself in a situation that did not make him happy.  God gave Jonah direct orders to go into the city of Nineveh and preach.  Nineveh was a horribly wicked city, and Jonah just didn't want to go. So he hopped on a ship to run away.

In a nutshell, God got upset with Jonah and caused a violent storm. Jonah's shipmates got scared and threw him overboard. A big fish swallowed him and he lived in the belly of the fish for three days. What a disgusting turn of events!

I bet at one time or another, we've all run when we should have boldly accepted an assignment from God.  It says in Jonah 1:17, "Now God provided (emphasis mine) a huge fish to swallow Jonah..." When I hear the word "provided" I think solution. Provided means the matter is settled and everything turned out fine.  I'm sorry, but if I was in the belly of a fish, it would not be fine with me!

Here's where I went wrong.  I was focusing on the fish when I should have been focusing on the provision. I'm pretty certain I'm not going to get swallowed by a fish, but the chances of experiencing a storm in my life are definite. I need to remember no matter how high the waves or how strong the wind, God will provide just what I need to calm the storm in my life.

Take a minute to look back over your life and recall all God has done for you. Think about all the times He provided for you when you couldn't find a solution to your problems.  Hopefully you weren't in the actual belly of a fish, but I'm certain God placed you in the perfect spot to help you grow. Even if it sounds crazy, share your story. You never know how God may use your  words to bring healing and hope to another.  And that's a fish story worth telling!