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HAD IT ALL THE WAY
"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full...and He arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." (Mark 4:37, 39)
Back in January of 1997, I had to take a flight from Seattle to San Jose. The
plane left from Seattle in the early afternoon under pleasant skies. We were flying along high above the ground and then the air started to get a little choppy. It was just a little turbulence and nobody really paid any attention to it. But I noticed it. I hate turbulence. It makes me nervous. Also, heights bother me greatly so I have to deal with that as well whenever I fly (which I don't do anymore - fly, that is).
As we started our descent toward San Jose, the cloud cover was thick and the air began to get a little more choppy. The turbulence started to get rougher. I looked around and noticed that a few other people began to take note.
Then, the pilot spoke over the loudspeaker. "Ladies and gentlemen, other pilots are telling us there is some rough weather ahead so we'd like for you to put your seat belts on and your tray tables up. It could be a bumpy ride."
"Oh great," I thought, "just what I needed."
The weather was getting rougher. It began to rain. The plane started bouncing around more. Then the pilot spoke again. He ordered the flight attendants to shut everything down and to buckle up. They moved very, very quickly in obeying his words.
I thought to myself, this is getting pretty serious. I looked out the window and I could see nothing but clouds...dark clouds. I was sitting near the front of the plane. The flight attendants hurriedly sat down just in front of me to the left with their seats facing the passengers. They were still talking and carrying on though as if this was no big deal. But for me, it had become a major ordeal.
The plane started to "jump" around more and more. This turbulence had now become a real force to reckon with. I looked around and noticed the passengers. None of them were reading anymore or working on their laptops. Everybody was very concerned. This flight had turned into a rollercoaster that nobody wanted to be on.
The ride was getting bumpier and bumpier. Even the flight attendants stopped talking. The expressions on their faces were now serious. I knew we were in trouble and I started praying hard. I mean, HARD. I didn't want to crash and was praying the Lord would land this plane, and land it - NOW!
I'll never forget that ride. From the time the flight attendants sat down, we remained in the air for another 20 minutes (which seemed like 20 hours). It was the most severe case of turbulence I've ever experienced in flight. This plane was being tossed all around...and I mean, ALL around!
Finally, yes, finally, the plane landed. The moment it touched down, everyone applauded! Even the flight attendants. What a relief to be on the ground.
The pilot came on with a calm voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to San Jose and sorry for the bumpy ride."
I got my bag from the overhead compartment and started off the plane. The pilot was standing at the front near the door way. A couple of people in front of me spoke to him and then it was my turn. I said, "Thank you sir. That was quite a flight. I wasn't sure we were going to make it."
Then the pilot smiled at me, and with a very calm, humble, and sure voice, he said five simple words...
"Had it all the way."
This incident reminds me of the trials in life that come our way. Maybe right now, you're going through some really turbulent times. I mean, the weather in your life is really rough. You're wondering where the Lord Jesus is. You've called out His name and it's like He hasn't heard you. Everything seems to be getting worse and worse...
All I can tell you is what I learned on that flight. I had no idea how to land that plane and so I had to trust the pilot. The same applies to your trial. You have no idea how it's going to end and so you have to put your trust in the Lord. And even though it may be the most severe weather or trial you've ever experienced, one of these days Jesus will see you through it. And when He does, when He lands your plane, you know what He'll say to you in a calm, humble and sure voice...
"Had it all the way."
Written by Dave Christiano
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