I got to the airport an hour early today and things seemed to be running smoothly. After getting my boarding pass, I grabbed a bite of lunch and went to the gate. I sat down and began checking my e-mail and clearing up some business. As I focused on the computer they loaded my flight. As I watched the plane pull away, suddenly a light came on! The agent said they had paged me and two others, but evidently I had been “in the zone” and was oblivious to the rest of what was going on around me. The two other individuals responded to the page. I did not. After the initial embarrassment and shock settled in, I purchased some M&Ms, sat down, and pondered why this had happened. After the initial concepts of tragedy raced through the brain, I began to think a little more clearly.

The first thing I considered was how many times God had tried to get my attention and I simply ignored or missed the handwriting on the wall. The thoughts ranged from ignored advice given to me by my parents to the signs I missed before the death of my previous wife, Donna. Since I had a four hour wait, I had lots of time to recall a number of 20/20 hindsights. However, after a little while, the Spirit helped me move on and understand this was not about the past, but the future. After my initial concerns about the strong weather closing in on Memphis, I knew God was going to teach me something or remind me of one of His principles. I took a deep breath, relaxed, and found my peace.

As soon as we got seated on the plane the pilot came out of the cockpit and addressed us from the aisle. He announced: “Folks, severe weather is closing in on Memphis and we may well have to divert to another city. The ride there should not be bad, but once we get in the general area it’s going to be bumpy. If you cannot handle turbulence, I advise you to get off the plane now. However, I have been flying these planes for over twenty years. I am a good pilot. I consider safety first and I assure you I do not want to die either!” The nervous laughs echoed throughout the plane, but no one got off.

As we neared Memphis and the turbulence began to increase, his voice came across the PA system with this announcement. “Well folks, it’s a little bumpy now, but the storm has broken up and part of it is south of Memphis and part of it has gone to the north. We should have a fairly normal landing.” It was then that I realized the purpose of the delay. God wanted me to see that no matter what storms or danger I faced in life, He was going to protect me. In Job 38:1 you can see that the Lord spoke out of the center of the storm to remind Job of who was really in charge. I, like Job, (1:10) have God’s hedge of protection around me and nothing Satan or any other spirit of wickedness can penetrate that or cause God’s plan to be thwarted.

If you can grasp how strong that hedge of protection is, you will not fear. You will not let worry rule your lives and keep you from stepping out into His comfort and warmth while the storm rages. Let Him bless you and give you joy, peace, and hope, regardless of the circumstances. Just take the first step — He’ll do the rest!

Love,

Dad