On a recent flight from Phoenix to St. Louis, the plane hit significant turbulence on our ascent to our cruising altitude. There were several storms in the area which caused the National Weather Service to issue a Dust Storm Warning for the Phoenix area prior to our departure. The crew shared we would experience significant turbulence. Some of the crew had experienced the turbulence on their recent arrival on another flight. Yet, when the turbulence rocked the airplane with side to side and up and down shaking (and a few drops), the passengers became more concerned. The longer it lasted and the more violent it became, you could hear the angst in the words spoken (or was it shouted) and the nervous laughter and screams.
Jesus, in speaking to the disciples said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus told the disciples and us that there would be days where turbulence would shake our lives; there would be days of uncertainty, trouble, and fear. There would be days when there would be nothing we could do (that is act upon) to make the turbulence stop. There would be difficult and troublesome days.
If Jesus had left us with this vision of trouble without any hope of resolution or victory, we would experience feelings of defeat and despair. We have hope, though, that Jesus did not leave us at the point of trouble, but Jesus proclaimed victory that he has overcome the world. He is the one who gives us victory. He is the one who ushered in the Kingdom of God that the author of Hebrews states, is “a kingdom that cannot be shaken…” (Hebrews 12:28).
Just as the flight attendants warned us there would be turbulence, Jesus has warned us about life-turbulence. The knowledge of turbulence did not take away the unsettling feeling when the plane shook violently. I prayed for peace and I prayed for the pilots who were ushering us through the clouds. I stood firmly on the belief that God was with me and I am part of a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
As you walk the road of life each day, where are you experiencing turbulence? Do you face the turbulence with the belief that in Christ you are victorious? It may not be immediate (the whole flight was bumpy), yet there is a hope and peace found in the knowledge of victory and smoother days ahead.
Prayer: Lord, I don’t like life-turbulence, but I know there will be days or even weeks where turbulence seems to shake my life. I give you thanks for the assurance of victory over the trouble and trust I am receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. When the trouble comes, hear my cry for help and give me peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.