Transformational Thought
During the summer, we went on an exciting family adventure to Scotland. Martine’s father emigrated from Scotland to the U.S. but many of her relatives still live there, spread around the country. The night of our departure, tornado activity cancelled some flights, but after a few hours’ delay, we were off across the pond. During our transatlantic travel, we flew through another turbulent storm. Thankfully, it only lasted about an hour, but it unnerved quite a few people. The pilot told us passengers that the storm was so large there was no way to go around it. We would need to continue to fly through it. He encouraged us to hang in there, assuring us we were in no danger.
I have a friend who is a pilot, and I’ve flown with him on several occasions. I asked him if he felt flying through storms was dangerous. He said, “No, but as any pilot will tell you, the danger comes in giving into the temptation to fly by your instincts instead of using the instrument panel.” He went on to explain how easy it is to become disoriented if you rely on instincts – thinking the plane is going up when it’s actually going down. Thankfully, the instrument panel is set to magnetic north and can be trusted every time, no matter how bad the conditions might be. He said that letting the instruments guide you … even when it feels wrong … ensures safety in the storm.
We all face storms that not just threaten, but actually confuse and disorient us. Experiencing an ominous call from the doctor’s office, having a significant conflict with a loved one or friend, enduring a financial setback, coping with an unexpected obstacle in your day, dealing with a shattered dream, or seeing a child struggle are situations that require special care. When you are blinded by life’s disappointments, don’t trust your instincts. Flying by the seat of your pants during life’s storms can lead to despair, confusion, wrong words, addiction relapse, or vengeful responses that make matters worse … and this is exactly where Satan wants you to be.
God wants to guide you, and His Word is packed with wisdom and insights for living. The bottom line is this: No matter what, you have to need trust in something to guide you during you stormy times. So, what will be your trusted instrument panel? How will you ground yourself? With the truth, or with lies? Go to your Bible and trust God. Trust His promises and character. Let His instructions and principles guide you through the storms of your life.
Storms are inevitable, but today, in your next storm make the decision to use God as your instrument panel. If you are experiencing a conflict, examine what you are leaning on for instruction. What instrument panel are you using to guide and interpret the situation to determine a course of action? Then compare it to God’s power and track record, and His word. You definitely want to follow the guidance of His instrument panel. Whether you are being guided by God or you follow the world’s teaching is your decision, so choose well. If a loved one is in an acute addiction storm and needs some treatment options, call our free helpline 844-Life-Change (844-543-3242) for answers and options.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I seem to spend a lot of my life in storms … worse yet, I get disoriented easily. Help me trust in Your sovereignty as these storms come my way. I turn now to You God, to help me know what is up and what is down. I want to rely on You as my instrument panel and my lighthouse … teach me how to develop antennae for Your signals, and how to follow Your tracking signal. I pray in the name of the ultimate instrument panel, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said – AMEN!
The Truth
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
