If you’ve flown commercially, you’ve heard it. “Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. Please be seated and check to see that your seat belt is securely fastened.” Those exact words are mandated by the FAA when the captain deems it necessary.
Airplanes and turbulence don’t mix well. I bet you know that!
The Aero Corner website lists any flight into Reno, NV, as the 6th most turbulent place to fly in the world. They aren’t making that up!
On a recent flight to Reno, my wife and I were greeted with a sobering message from our captain long before we reached our destination. The air was smooth and yet he still asked us to remain seated for the rest of the flight and keep our seat belts securely fastened. He told us that we were going to experience turbulence — likely with no warning. In fact, he had plans to divert to another airport if the ride became too “exciting.” Long story short — we made it to Reno even with some of the promised turbulence.
Those words — The captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign — have rung in my ears for several months. Why? Hurricanes. Fires. Politics. War. Death. Fractured families. Sickness. Well, you get the drift. Turbulence. More and more turbulence. Serious times.
Who hasn’t heard about the turbulence headed our way — “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world . . .” Matthew 24:21 NKJV But I’m not writing to recite the latest, ominous signs of the times. I want to talk about our Captain. I want to focus on surviving the turbulence in our lives.
The Captain — We rarely see airline captains in today’s high security world, but we trust them. “So you see, God is with us. He is our leader.” 2 Chronicles 13:12 NLT. When that little seat belt light begins to glow and those FAA mandated words float through the plane — we listen. How about when our Captain speaks? “I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people.” Psalms 85:8 NLT In the face of turbulence, listen for the reassuring voice of God.
Fasten Seat Belt Sign — Airplane seat belts are important. On one flight I watched a plus-size passenger struggle to fasten her seat belt. There simply wasn’t enough belt for the belly. A kind yet determined flight attendant brought a seat belt extender. Success. Our Captain has a seat belt for turbulence, too. “Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth . . .” Ephesians 6:13-14a The Whole Armor of God is reason to relax in the care of our Pilot.
Please Be Seated — In all my years of flying, I’ve never seen someone run around the plane after hearing “Ladies and gentlemen . . .” In fact, that message often means that even the flight attendants take their seats. No more peanuts. No more drinks. Just a directive to stay seated where you are safe. “Be still, and know that I am God!” Psalms 46:10 NLT And the best way to be still is to sit — in the presence of God. “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” Revelation 3:21 NLT
Securely Fastened — We’ve all seen flight attendants check seat belts before a flight begins. They’re making sure your seat belt is securely fastened. Our Captain is fully committed to our safety, too. “Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.” Psalms 91:2 NLT
In 1965, United Airlines introduced the slogan “Fly the friendly skies.” Air travel isn’t exactly friendly these days — on any carrier. The peanut bags get smaller every year and the bag fees increase. The seats are closer together and that blasted turbulence isn’t going away.
The turbulence in our lives is real. The forecast for stormier weather ahead is accurate. So there’s no better time than now to listen for the voice of the Captain. There’s no better place to be than seated in the presence of the Captain. There’s no better security that the belt of Truth.
Now is the time to trust the Captain. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT.
There’s no better way to arrive safely Home!