This summer, I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona. While waiting at the airport, I purchased my favorite Starbucks coffee drink- blond roast with peppermint and mocha. Tingling for the tastebuds, preferable for a pick-me-up, but hard on the bladder. After boarding the plane, the flight attendant walked the narrow aisleway to take our drink orders. I ordered cranberry juice. It’s one of my favorites for urinary tract health.
Shortly after our orders were taken, the flight attendant announced that the drink orders would be paused due to turbulence. Our lives can mirror the same thing. We can be soaring along, experiencing an upbeat life rhythm, when suddenly we encounter turbulence. We may be below the final hurdle before completing a long-planned mission. A promise made falls through. Some type of life change occurs that stops us right on the track.
Turbulence occurs for many reasons. Sometimes it is the Lord’s discipline because sin is present. The writer of Hebrews equates sin to weight. It keeps us from moving forward and must be removed, or it will remain an obstacle to spiritual progression.
We shouldn’t be surprised when we run into turbulence. As children of God, it’s part of our spiritual growth. The key to completing the race is keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ. Staying in the race requires endurance and the determination not to grow weary. The more laps we achieve, the more confident we become in God’s power to help us overcome our weaknesses.
Be encouraged by these words:
“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:12-14, ESV).
By the way, I never received the cranberry juice, but the pause and ultimate drink order cancellation led me to focus the eyes of my heart on Christ through prayer. I asked Him to keep us safe in the air, give the flight crew wisdom, and land us safely on the ground.
Whenever we encounter turbulence, let us look to the Lord, the source of our redemption and living hope. He is well able to get us back on track.
Blessings,
Phyllis
PHYLLIS A. CLEMONS 