DEVOTION//Change Pilots

Dr. Fred Lowery of Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin, TX tells about a flight he was on. The plane was in line for takeoff when it returned to the gate. After a half an hour wait, the plane once again headed for the runway. This time it took off.

Dr. Lowery asked the flight attendant why the plane had returned to the gate. She said, "The pilot heard a noise in the number one engine that he thought was suspicious."

"So what did you do about that?" he asked.

"We changed pilots," she said.

Pilot or problem?

How often do you change pilots rather than deal with your problems? For example,

• Marriage issues? Change your spouse.
• Disagreements with your church? Find another one that agrees with you.
• Chafing under God's will for your life? Explain away what his Scriptures say.

There's a better way to handle problems. Keep the pilot; fix the problem.

Face problems fearlessly

We Christians have nothing to fear from life's challenges. Our God is greater than any problems that harass us. Better, our omnipotent God loves us so much our problems cannot threaten us.  That is the assurance Jesus' Easter triumph guarantees.

But what if we are responsible for creating our problems? What if we left a wrench in the number one engine. What if we have ruined our marriage or harmed our church? Our God is still committed to help us. He calls us to confess that sin; he promises to forgive them; he commits himself to bring good to us in spite of our failures.

God's grace is on our side

No wonder the psalmist testifies, "I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold…. It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure" (Psalm 18:1,2,32).

Don't change pilots. Deal with the problem. Our God is just the mechanic you need.