I have had four emergency landings(loss of cabin pressure, loss of all engines, complete hydraulic system loss, and who knows what blew up on the fourth one, but it was loud!) where all the response trucks lined the runway in case we crashed and one flight far worse where the little commuter plane flipped sideways in a storm cell and fell hundreds of feet from an already low altitude of maybe 1500 feet but managed to recover and land safely. It is truly terrifying, but none of those episodes lasted very long, not long enough to see if I would be able to rest in my faith the way you did. I never got past the adrenaline fight or flight mode. I’d like to think I’d have reacted like you did given time, I don’t know. My first impulse was to fight against the threat, which of course strapped into a passenger seat doesn’t really do much good.
It got to where no one in the company wanted to book the same flight I was on, I understand Jonah now!
Oh, man. I think I’d want to avoid flying with you as well! I’ve been on one flight that had an emergency landing and that was plenty.
It’s very natural to “fight against the threat” in the moment. But it sounds like you’ve gained some good perspective as you’ve reflected on those experiences. And I’m sure you must be grateful for God’s hand of protection. Safe travels!
Thanks Matt! A timely reminder for our family. We’re getting a little older, worries with older kids and grands. Wondering if what we’ve lived by and budgeted will see us through. The future looks good by God’s grace! Michelle from Near Memphis
Glad it was timely, Michelle. There’s always something to worry about, isn’t there? I’m a pro at that! I’m so thankful for God’s invitation to cast our cares on him.
There’s nothing that can renew my faith in Jesus like a bumpy and terrifying airplane ride!
Really like this analogy of submitting to His will. Life w/ Him is not an easy road – but I think we can make it more difficult the more we fight it (and always insist on “my way”).
Wow, powerful blog today. And so pertinent to where I’m at as far as trusting my next steps in this house purchase and relocation. I know God is trustworthy and I just need to loosen my grip on the armrests (my expectations) and allow His will for me to emerge. Thanks for the inspiring message!
I really needed to hear this tonight Matt. Thank you!
Glad it helped, Barb. Thanks for letting me know.
Matt, i’m just glad you made that first tough decision and that we had that period of time to be on the ride together. Blessings, my friend. Dick.
Dick – I have such good and vivid memories of those Good $ense days. I’m so thankful!
Heart Penetrating! Thanks for the article.
You’re welcome, Jose. Thanks for stopping by.
I had a 48 hour flight earlier this year in January (2 connecting stops, an 8 hour layover). Honestly I felt like I died.
Doesn’t sound too scary, but it does sound painful. 🙂
I have had four emergency landings(loss of cabin pressure, loss of all engines, complete hydraulic system loss, and who knows what blew up on the fourth one, but it was loud!) where all the response trucks lined the runway in case we crashed and one flight far worse where the little commuter plane flipped sideways in a storm cell and fell hundreds of feet from an already low altitude of maybe 1500 feet but managed to recover and land safely. It is truly terrifying, but none of those episodes lasted very long, not long enough to see if I would be able to rest in my faith the way you did. I never got past the adrenaline fight or flight mode. I’d like to think I’d have reacted like you did given time, I don’t know. My first impulse was to fight against the threat, which of course strapped into a passenger seat doesn’t really do much good.
It got to where no one in the company wanted to book the same flight I was on, I understand Jonah now!
Oh, man. I think I’d want to avoid flying with you as well! I’ve been on one flight that had an emergency landing and that was plenty.
It’s very natural to “fight against the threat” in the moment. But it sounds like you’ve gained some good perspective as you’ve reflected on those experiences. And I’m sure you must be grateful for God’s hand of protection. Safe travels!
Thanks Matt! A timely reminder for our family. We’re getting a little older, worries with older kids and grands. Wondering if what we’ve lived by and budgeted will see us through. The future looks good by God’s grace! Michelle from Near Memphis
Glad it was timely, Michelle. There’s always something to worry about, isn’t there? I’m a pro at that! I’m so thankful for God’s invitation to cast our cares on him.
There’s nothing that can renew my faith in Jesus like a bumpy and terrifying airplane ride!
Really like this analogy of submitting to His will. Life w/ Him is not an easy road – but I think we can make it more difficult the more we fight it (and always insist on “my way”).
So true, Aaron. And so applicable to so many situations—the fighting it, the insisting on “my way.”
Wow, powerful blog today. And so pertinent to where I’m at as far as trusting my next steps in this house purchase and relocation. I know God is trustworthy and I just need to loosen my grip on the armrests (my expectations) and allow His will for me to emerge. Thanks for the inspiring message!
Glad to hear it resonated with you, Mark.