INSTRUMENT TRAINED

We’ve experienced a record number of big storms throughout our country this year, but that hasn’t stopped people from flying, nor should it. Though experienced pilots don’t relish flying under poor conditions, especially when visibility is zero, they have considerable confidence for this reason: they’ve learned how to rely on their instruments to help them navigate. A pilot with an instrument rating is better prepared and less confused when the unexpected happens than one without such training. They also tend to have a better grasp of what lies ahead, and we can take a lesson from them.

Dear saint, the Bible provides you with what you need to keep on course when you can’t clearly see the way ahead. If you want to skillfully traverse turbulent times, make diligent study of God’s Word a priority. A pilot doesn’t go from merely proficient to skilled overnight and neither does the Christian when it comes to following the Word. It takes time and effort to become familiar with the Scriptures, but rest assured, every bit of effort makes headway. Also, whether the weather is clear or not, the pilot is in constant communication with air traffic controllers all along the route, who can see what is out of the pilot’s range. Similarly, the Holy Spirit’s job is to help you understand God’s Word in a way that allows you to go forward in every situation, because more than our personal well-being is at stake.

A number of years ago, John F. Kennedy Jr. and two others were tragically killed when he flew his small plane straight into the ocean. Because it was a dark, moonless night he became confused about the direction he was going, he couldn’t accurately discern the difference between sky and ground until it was too late. He mistakenly thought he could successfully make the journey on his own. Let’s make sure we conquer any self-reliant attitude by relying on the most accurate instrument for life, the perfect Word of God.