Getting Peace On A Plane

So I am on a dark plane with no one I know. No one to talk to. All of my family is at home with a major hurricane coming. I am scared, worried and overwhelmed. As I travel the 3000 miles to be with my daughter, Sarah, I try to concentrate on how excited I am to see her. With her living so far away our time together is extra special. But the thoughts of Mike, Ivey and Mom are stil there. I like for us all to be together and especially when things are “up in the air.” I think the hard part is the unknown. Is it going to be a category 5 hurricane?

It was hard to leave my hometown, bright and sunny, and wonder what it will look like when I return. Hurricanes are a lot of stress because there is a lot of preparation but I cannot imagine the thought of a category 5! And from some of the texts and posts I saw earlier I know a lot of people are scared, worried and overwhelmed like me! As my mind is racing I know what I am to do. I am to trust.

First of all we know we are to “cast all our anxiety on him because he cares for us. 1 Peter 5: 7. Philippians 4: 6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” So let’s go ahead and ask Him to take our anxiety. He can handle it! In EVERY situation we are to continuously pray with THANKSGIVING. So this means hurricanes too, even if they are category 5! With thanksgiving! I think this is what we need to focus on.

I have been trying to thank God all day for taking care of my family and I during this time. I thank Him for us growing during these hard times. The last thing Mom and I said to each other when we hugged bye was “we are growing!” I thank Him for his power and His protection. He can wrap His arms around us and hold us. Just like a father holds a child.

A lot of good can come from this but we have to look for the blessings. People who never think about God have probably thought about Him today. Or in the next few days. A lot of deals are made when people are scared and powerless. All of us grow from wherever we are on our walk with Christ during trials.

We are to make our request to God. I think we probably have that part done! But while we are asking Him for safety lets ask Him to help us grow and others that we know to grow. As a former minister of mine used to say, this is a rich rich mission field! During a major hurricane in Wilmington it is a rich, rich mission field! Think of your family, neighbors, kids, friends, etc who may be with you during this time. Everyone loves encouragement and this may be your chance to encourage and witness to others! Let God use us during this time. Remember that He will bring good from all things for those who love Him. Romans 8: 28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Keep talking to God. Keep telling him, out loud, that you trust Him. And keep thanking Him for how He will use this and use us. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Only He can give us peace! Go rest in His arms.