EVEN IN AREAS OF TURBULENCE

Dearly Beloved, EVEN IN AREAS OF TURBULENCE “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV). One of the fascinating things during my recent flight from Lagos, Nigeria to Dallas/Fort Worth, USA (via Paris, France and Detroit, USA) was the smartness, enthusiasm, friendliness, and professionalism with which the flight attendants discharged their duties, especially their calmness even when the captain announced that we were approaching areas of turbulence. They even helped to warn passengers to adhere to the warning as they went ahead with their routine as if they have immunity against the likely danger ahead. As we rode safely out of the rough air, these flight attendants continued their duties unmoved. Their action gave me more confidence next time such warning was given. These flight attendants and other more regular air travellers put their trust in the expertise of the captain. In the journey of life, there are many areas of turbulence that people approach without any forewarning. However, we have a more experienced Captain that is anchoring the flight of our life. We need not fear any “rough air” of life because He is able to take us through (see Jude 24-25). That was why Moses could assure Joshua and the people of Israel not to be afraid but be of good courage because “...the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you..." (Deuteronomy 31:6-8 NKJV). The Lord Himself assured the remnant of Israel, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2 NKJV). The psalmist understood this when he declared, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4 NKJV). Unfortunately, the disciples of Jesus Christ did not learn this secret. They relied on their experiences and nearly perished while the Captain of their lives was with them in the boat. If not for the fact that they invited Him to intervene in their dangerous, they probably would have perished in that area of turbulence (see Mark 4:35-41). Oh, how good would it be if people could understand this also and put their trust in God even in the areas of turbulence of their lives! How good would it be if they could go on calmly with their daily routines even when they know that they are approaching the “rough air” of their life’s journey! If flight attendants and other air travellers can rely on the expertise of the captain and do not worry about any turbulence, why can people not rely on the Lord who is far greater than any captain in the world? You need not fear any evil. Be calm and continue to move on in life even in areas of turbulence. The Lord is with you! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray for the grace to always be calm and rely on God at all time, even in areas of turbulence of your life.