Devotional 3-14-09

Scripture: Geneses 9:13

As I am writing this devotional, there are so many things going through my mind: the economy of our nation, jobs lost, family and friend’s health, etc. I must question, where does my faith come into this picture?

Several years ago I was seated on a plane by a gentleman, who was eager to share the story of his faith.

He and his wife had boarded a plane the day before, on their way home from a cruise. They had not been in the air, but a few minutes, when the pilot announced that they were returning to the airport. The plane was experiencing trouble with its landing gear. One set of wheels had not retracted. However, before they would attempt landing, the fuel needed to be dumped into the ocean. This procedure would take at least an hour before they could land. In the mean time while the plane circled in a pattern, they would be preparing for an emergency landing. The man retelling the story was not naïve. He knew why they were dumping the gas. A plane full of gas was not good, if the landing gear malfunctioned, and the plane tore apart.

He told me of their shock at first, and then trying to prepare for what could be a crash landing. I’m sure the odds of survival were paramount in their minds. But, he also gave details of his wife writing a note to their children, and tucking it into her passport. She placed the passport under her blouse in hopes if the worst happened, she could be identified. They both prayed. There was much time to reflect, and in his case draw from the promises of God and his faith in those promises. In the mean time, the attendants were busy preparing the passengers.

As they were bracing for an impact, he drew his wife to the window. Perfectly placed on the horizon was the most beautiful rainbow. He told her that everything was going to be all right, because God had given his promise and they needed to have faith in that promise. The rainbow confirmed his belief.

The man closed his eyes, and held his wife close. He said, he had never felt closer to God.

It wasn’t an easy landing, but it was a safe one. The landing gear did not work, but the pilot landed the plane in a grassy area, and all aboard were okay. Naturally, there were some scratches, lost items, some broken bones, etc. The plane stayed in tact, and he was so thankful to be able to return home and tell his story to everyone who would listen. I listened and still draw from his faith, especially when things are out of my control.

I believe, I was sitting by that man for a reason. When times are tough, it reminds me that God has promised that he is always with us. We need to remind ourselves of that, and share it with others, especially during difficult times. All of us have had our share of “crashes, near misses, and rocky rides”. It’s not always a smooth landing, but our Father is there to cushion the impact. His promise and our faith will see us through.

The rainbow was a reminder to that gentleman passenger that there is a living God. He is there when things are difficult, and let’s not forget, when there are smooth landings.

Ironically, but perhaps not coincidentally, I saw the same rainbow the day before, but didn’t realize what it was saying to this total stranger. Today, I have a different feeling when I see the bow in the clouds. Indeed, my faith will always be strengthened by God’s promise.

Love and Peace,
Glenna B. Allison

Mission Prayer and Response Focus:

March 12: Reading is crucial. Please give a penny for every kid's book you have.
March 8-14: We celebrate Ebenezer Community Outreach Center in Huntington; Celes Sheffield, Executive Director.
They minister through their pre-school program, Youth Energized for Success; Family enrichment Center, Baby Bassinette, clothing closet, School supply programs, Christmas Angel program the Idus Jones Scholarship Program (awarded to a high school senior) 4-H and Girls Scouts