Trusting the Pilot

Air travel is as old as the Wright Brothers, yet even after decades of discovery people are still fearful of flying. Biplanes are a novel form of flight that dates back to an early time period. The Red Baron flew a spiffy red version during WW1. Compared to the armored jets we are used to they don’t appear to be the safest with their fluid dual wingspan and wire suspensions. They are something we are more likely to see in a museum than in the sky.

 

Well, I got to see one up close. Actually, my husband, John and I flew in a WACO biplane just recently. Our pilot, Phil, of Lakes Biplane, http://www.lakesbiplane.com/ guided us around like a proud Papa, showing off his first-born. After a pre-flight safety check, He settled us into the double cockpit in front. Safety harnesses and headsets in place, we got ready for take-off. Phil climbed into the rear cockpit and we tested our headsets. He planned to do some fancy moves and wanted to check in with us to see how we (mostly me) handled them.  

As we taxied to the short runway, Phil told us he can’t see what’s in front of him at all when he’s taking off, landing or flying. This is not something a passenger wants to hear. Actually, biplanes are famous for blind spots. Yet, in listening to Phil describe his love of the biplane’s simpler form of flying, I wasn’t afraid. 

I can’t explain it, but I trusted our pilot. 

Phil’s knowledge and experience got us into the air and we enjoyed the most amazing scenery over the lakes region of New Hampshire. I don’t know all the technical terms of how all of it works, but experiencing a wingover maneuver was pretty spectacular. That’s when the plane goes into a turn and then lingers in mid-air, looking like it’s standing on its wing. This showy display actually enables the plane to change its direction without losing much altitude and speed. Phil told me to keep my eyes on the horizon to guard against dizziness—it worked. The incredible thing: I, Miss-Fearful-of-lots-of-things wasn’t afraid. I trusted the pilot’s ability to bring the biplane level again.

 

Phil's photo from the cockpit while doing a wingover

 

 It’s not unlike my trust in God to navigate me through life’s wingovers. When circumstances cause me to tip over and suspend in midair not knowing which way is up, God’s full knowledge and experience is trustworthy. I know He will navigate me through the tight turns and blind spots. The ride may be bumpy at times, but He has everything under control.

 

Phil and his baby

In order take on any adventure you need to step out of your comfort zone; I think hanging midair in a biplane fits that description. If you get a chance, fly low in one of these beautiful machines. Phil is ready to be your pilot over the scenic Laconia, NH area. Thanks, Phil for an awesome flight!

 

And, I hope you know God is the best Pilot ever when it comes to navigating life. Hand Him the controls and get ready for His amazing adventure! 

Trusting the Pilot,

 

Jeanne

Fear: The Battle of the Mind

I’m just a big chicken! 

What am I afraid of? ….depends on the day.

Once fear takes hold, it free falls and mingles with every thought…every word…every situation.

I have discovered fear is a battle of the mind.

Most of my fears never come to pass. But, I build them up in my mind and they become an ogre hiding under the bed.

I do mental gymnastics to avoid anything that conjures up my fear’s reality. I avoid situations. Build walls around me. Make excuses. I pretend. Bring along a friend. I spiritualize.

I do whatever it takes to keep fear hidden.

Even stop living.

Fear is always bigger when we don't face it. Not talking about it causes the fear to grow in size, sprout claws and sharp fangs, enlarging its power over us.

 

Fear holds us captive with invisible chains that encircle and squeeze so our life is crippled. We cannot embrace or enjoy life when fear has tightened its grip.

It is only through the power of Jesus Christ that the chains are loosed.

Remembering that Perfect Love—God—casts out fear, will help us to know who is on our side. He is the one that fights the battle for us. The darkness of fear is exposed in His Light as the Truth sets us free from the powers that hold us captive.

I am not an expert on the subject of fear. I only know I have grappled with it for years. Sometimes it was winning. And others I gained glimpses into what was really going on to understand my reaction.

I do know I have wanted to understand more of what “perfect love casting out fear” means in my everyday life—to my fears—to my battles. Someone once said that fear is the absence of God. Something to think about.

God IS Love. So, He is the One who chases away fear. He is already victorious through the battle on the cross. His presence brings peace, because His name is Peace.

So, if I am fearful, I know I need more of Him. Lloyd John Oglivie says,

“We can’t evict fear on our own. Only Christ can do that. The secret is to focus on Him and not on our fears.”  

~ Facing the Future Without Fear (pg 47)

When we see God as Mighty, All powerful, Able…His power overrules our fear. And, the way we discover who God is, is to delve into His word and see how He met the needs of those who faced fears. He will meet us there and show us more about Himself.

Is fear reigning in your life? Do you need more of Him?

I would love to hear how He is delivering you,

 

Jeanne

 

* Lloyd John Oglivie's book is out of print but can be found on Amazon.com