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Preflight Checks

Written by Pastor Eric Everhart

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

As I sat on my flight from Florida to Chicago, I happened to look outside to see all the commotion going on outside the plane as we were preparing to take off. If you have flown at all you’ve probably seen it. There were food trucks loading snacks and drinks onto the plane. A fuel truck pulled up alongside to top off the gas tank for our flight. Men and women in reflective vests were moving around quickly, loading luggage onto the conveyor belt. Others were checking over the landing gear. A couple people on ladders were inspecting the wings and others were hooking the plane up to a truck to help push the plane away from the gate.

Inside, the pilot and co-pilot were checking instruments and loading a flight plan. Flight attendants were stowing baggage, checking seat belts, and demonstrating safety procedures. So many people, doing so many different things, all to get me safely to my destination. And although I was watching it, most people on the plane didn’t even notice all that was happening around them. 

When it comes to your faith journey, can you see the same kind of commotion going on “outside the window” of your life? The nursery volunteers who soothed your tears and changed your diapers; the Wee Worship teachers who lead you in singing Jesus Loves Me and This Little Light of Mine. See the Sunday school teachers scurrying around as they begin to instill in you the deep, deep love of God, and through crafts and Bible lessons teach you of the great sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. The Catechism teachers who fill you up on the deeper aspects of our faith, helping you see what grace is all about and who the Holy Spirit is. Youth pastors, small group leaders, GEMS leaders, Cadets counselors have all poured out their love for God and for you as they follow the call to lead. 

Let’s not forget the women of coffee break and the men of the Wednesday morning group who surround you with prayer, support, and accountability; who dig deep into God’s Word with you while enjoying a time of fellowship. Coffee and cookies, supper clubs, adult forum, and so many other interactions create the beautifully orchestrated “commotion” which develops our faith walks. 

It would be a sad thing if I didn’t mention the parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, prayer partners, pastors, and all the people you meet throughout your life, sometimes only for a brief moment, that have and will continue to shape your faith walk. God has intentionally surrounded you with the commotion of a great “ground crew” to lead you, mold you, grow you, guide you, and love you to your final destination! And leading that ground crew is our faithful savior Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit! 

Brothers and sisters, sit back, relax, enjoy your flight, and don’t forget to thank God for your ground crew and the commotion of all those people God has put into your flight path for a safe, on time, and guaranteed arrival to your final destination. 

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

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