Turbulence

Many people love to travel. I know I do! It is always nice to take a break from "reality" and simply relax.
A lot of people drive to their destination but a higher percentage fly on an airplane.

I have never liked the whole process of flying. First of all, it is so stressful (especially at LAX!) to get over all of the lanes to find the right airline to be dropped off at. Then you have to wait in line to check in. After you have your ticket, you can proceed to the longest line of all. SECURITY! Once you have been patted down and they have put your bags through the screening about 4 times, you can finally go to your gate.

Once you get on the airplane, you realize that because of that process a lot of people are stressed out, cranky, nervous, or snippy.

After putting your bags up or under the seat in front of you, the flight attendant comes over the announcements with what to do during an emergency.

I always look around to see how people are acting during the time the flight attendant is speaking. I usually find one of two things... People reading or people who are extremely nervous (first time passengers!) and the flight attendant is making it worse because they are pointing out the real problems that could occur.

For me, take off always seems to go smoothly. I typically watch a DVD on the ride or sleep when it is a smooth ride.

However, it isn't always a smooth ride.... and you can't control it.

Turbulence is a real heart pounder. It gets your attention and scares you a bit. If you look out your window, all you can see are clouds. That for me is the scariest part. You have no clue what is going on, where you are, and how you could potentially crash.

What do you do when turbulence in an airplane occurs?
What do you do when turbulence in your life occurs?

Turbulence is a violent or unsteady movement.

It tends to occur ALL the time. How do you react?

In the airplane, I grab the arm rest, close my eyes, and all I say is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus".
In my life, I sit down, (if my bible is near) grab my bible, close my eyes, and all I say is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus".

God doesn't say following Him will be easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
He puts trials and tribulations in our life for a reason. He wants to see us grow closer to Him, test our Faith, and show us what is truly important.
It isn't to hurt you or make your life horrible. He has a good reason for everything, even if it takes some hurt to get there.

One of my favorite songs, by Mandisa, is titled "Stronger".

Below is my favorite verse and chorus:

"Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vih1xwxQUIo

Just before I wrote this blog, I was reading my bible. In Isaiah 44:8 it says, "Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?" 


God won't leave you stranded, in the air or on the ground. There is no reason to be afraid of turbulence if you believe and proclaim that God is your savior. He will protect you forever and always.