Turbulence Onboard?? ... Adjust your Altitude!
“Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance. And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 AMP
Simply because God has called us to walk in and to live by a lifestyle that is governed by His statues, promises and provision; our walk should be quite different from the walk of most of the people which we encounter on a daily basis. Our walk should be different because we have learned the art of how to handle those unexpected, yet expected bumps in the road. Our walk should be different because we have learned that every situation in our lives has been preordained by our Master Pilot – who is always on board. Therefore, when any type of turbulence arises – we only need to adjust our altitude to the degree that will bring us back to stabilization.
There are various types of turbulence which may occur at any given time. Certain types are only typical to specific elements and environments. Therefore because we are all different, we will all experience various elements which have been individualized just for us. The degree of turbulence is dependent upon various factors. However, it doesn’t matter… whatever the level or type of turbulence that may appear –again; I reiterate: we only need to adjust our altitude to the degree that will bring us back to stabilization.
Sometimes we can experience turbulence because we are “flying to low”. In other words we have become too comfortable in our spiritual walk. We are not advancing… we are simply standing in the same place, in the realm of the spirit. Therefore God has to “upset our apple cart”. He has to permit some type of contrary wind to blow to force us to get out of our comfort zone. .. and to progress or advance in our ministry, calling or giftings.
Then there may be times when we experience turbulence because we are flying in the wrong direction. We have become like Jonah and decided that WE know what’s best… and that God really doesn’t have a clue in this day and age what’s of value! So He (God) has to permit a little turbulence to get us back on course. Or we may be flying in the wrong direction because we are not spiritually alert and have not noticed that the winds have shifted in the realm of the spirit. Our radars have become out of sync and are not detecting the diabolical plots, plans and schemes correctly…. Therefore we are flying in the wrong direction AND can’t even detect it!
Then, there may be times when we are moving at the correct speed. The conditions are “A- one”, and a turbulent wind comes for no apparent reason. During these times our Master Pilot is simply testing us. Not to see what we will do – for He is omniscient.. and already knows all things. His testing is permitting us and our adversary to see the advancements that we have made. God is giving satan permission to try us as He gave him the permission to try Job. (Although Job still had a lot of issues!) Yes, sometimes God is permitting us to be placed on an open display for others to see His handiwork in us!
So, whenever the turbulent winds occur always adjust your altitude. Remember that the first rule of thumb is to remain calm. Stay so connected to the Lord that nothing will totally “catch” you off guard. Next, know that the endurance of turbulent winds is only temporary. Refuse to worry. Stand firmly on the Word of God who is always our very PRESENT help in the time of every storm. Lastly, learn from every storm and turbulent condition how to progress through the next turbulent occurrence (because it will arise!)
Comments