Pastor's Post 6/22/2023

Dear Shiloh Family,

     The engine of the single-prop, 200 Mooney screamed as we left the runway and ascended to our flight path from Chattanooga to Mountain Home, Arkansas.  I love flying…everything about it, and I was particularly excited to sit in the Co-pilot’s seat.  

     The pilot, and owner of the small 4-seater was extremely knowledgeable about his plane and aviation in general and was eager to satisfy my childlike curiosity.  However, when he briefly allowed me to take the controls, I was giddy, wide-eyed, cotton mouthed, and speechless (I know, that was a first).  It was incredible!  I would have flown a bit longer were it not for other passengers and impending weather conditions.  

     Jim had previously given instructions to be silent when he pushed a small button that put him in contact with the control tower.  I obeyed as he took the controls and began a serious conversation with a man on the other end of the line. We were directed to a new course some 150 miles east of our intended flight plan.  Seeing my raised eyebrows, he pointed to three towering thunderheads and said, “We’ve got to get around those.”  He skillfully navigated around the storm, and touched down safely at our intended destination.  

     I was oblivious.  I was so enamored with the events inside the cockpit and my newfound freedom, I failed to look ahead for ensuing dangers.

Matthew 6.26: Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Job 23.10: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

I’m reminded how Jesus pilots our lives.  The Holy Spirit is constantly comforting us and illuminating the Father’s plans.  Occasionally, we get to fly the plane.  However, there are other people’s lives at stake, and our Heavenly Father knows how to avoid the storms and bring us safely home.  Unlike the small plane, my Lord not only is able to carry us through the middle of our storms… if need be, HE CAN CALM THE STORM.  

Mark 4.39: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  

IF God is your Co-pilot, you need to swap seats.             

God bless you all,

Pastor Derrell