10-19-2018

Good Morning All,

        John 20:29; “Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

     In 2007, Jim O’Neill was flying from Glasgow, Scotland to Colchester, England.  As he was flying, his vision suddenly failed.  At first he thought he was blinded by the sun but soon realized that he had lost his vision.  He had suffered a stroke.  This gives a whole new meaning to “flying blind”.  He felt his way around the cockpit until he found the radio and issued a “Mayday” alert.

    The signal was heard by the Royal Air Force and Paul Gerrard responded and flew off to find the plane.  As soon as he found it, he began a quiet, calming commentary.  “Keep coming down, a little to the right, keep going, you are doing fine, a little to the left.”  Gerrard hung close as they came to the airport where O’Neill would land his plane, more by faith than anything else.  The first pass was too hard and he bounced back up in the air; after the eighth try he finally, safely, landed the plane.

    Through a lot of our life, we seem to see God’s grace and plan for our life.  We have a loving spouse and family.  We may have a good job and good health.  Then, all of a sudden, we have a “midair” crisis.  This “midair” crisis might take the form of a divorce or sudden illness or job loss.  This may not be “midair” but it is definitely midcareer, midlife or mid-semester and it hurts.  We may think we are completely lost.  Yet we are never truly alone.  God is with us and sends his Spirit to comfort us and to guide us.  He is the one who speaks to us in these times of struggle.  It might be phrases like, “Come unto me all you who labor” or “Cast all your anxieties on Him” or “Be still and know that I am God”.  These and others tend to calm us with his Words of comfort and peace.

    It is God’s Spirit that speaks to us during these “midair” crises.  He continues to fly near us speaking to us through his Word and touching us with the hands of his children who he sends to comfort you.  He will always hear your “Mayday” prayers.  He is there, even when we don’t always see the way ahead.  He calls to us to follow by faith and to trust in his will, even when we cannot see where we are flying; we trust in his ever present mercy.

    So when the times look darkness; look to Jesus to comfort you. When you feel you have no control, listen to God’s words of consolation.  When it seems like it is all going against you, trust in God’s promise to provide for you.  Have faith; God’s mercy is upon you.

Father of mercy, when we do not see how our life will play out be with us and hold us close.  Remind us that all things work for good for those who love you.  Give us courage as we face each day.  Guide us by your Spirit, speak to us through your Word and help us to listen to your wonderful grace.  This we ask in the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret