Isaiah 26:3

Today was literally WONDERful. Our entire English Village group was able to go to a park and view the beautiful, colorful creation our AMAZING God has allowed us to enjoy! I will write more about that later, but first I want to share about last week, when we first arrived. 

Last Saturday, we had the opportunity to ride a tiny airplane over Bolivia. I contemplated whether or not I wanted to fly, and after taking a few moments to consider, I decided that I wanted to go. I had ridden on a plane before, but never in a small six seater, and I knew that this experience would be too unique to pass up.

Once I arrived to the SamAir hangar, I was ready to fly, but I had to wait…and wait… and wait. After about an hour later (but maybe less), it was my group’s turn to fly. I could have changed my mind during that waiting period, but my mind was still set on going, so I got into the plane. My excitement started to increase as we began to take off, with that excitement came a little bit of nervousness. Soon enough I was able to enjoy the city below and all the hills and trees. I took pictures and thought about how great and awesome God is.

Later during the flight we came to the foothills of the Andes. I don’t know why, but it was not until then when I became very fearful. I started to think irrational thoughts like: “What if we crash? These rocks will hurt more here than if we crashed back there.” (Stupid, right? LOL) I started to sweat a lot and pray a lot. The plane shook a few times—and each time it shook my faith in the pilot’s ability, even though he is an expert. I wanted to get off. A-SAP! As I was sitting there battling this anxiety, I thought of how so many times when God calls me to certain things I respond in obedience and excitement and enjoy the ride for a little while—but as soon as I see mountains and experience obstacles or difficulties that try to shake me—I respond in fear and want to stop.

I did not know the pilot who was flying me, Ryan, Nick, Sean in little plane…I only knew his name. But I know God personally and I know His character. So if I know Him, why do I fear? I need to trust in Him with everything—trusting that no matter what may happen He knows what is best and wants what is best!

I encourage you to read Deuteronomy 31:1-8. When it was no longer Moses’ time to lead Israel, he said to Joshua in verse 8, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Many times the Lord calls His people to do great things that naturally would seem intimidating or fearful—but these are just opportunities to lean on Him and trust in Him! It’s much much much less about what we can do and more about what HE can do. I encourage you to continue to acknowledge God as the expert pilot of your life and to remember that He is in complete control. It’s not about you, which is something God has been reminding me of almost everyday. He created mountains, and He can move them. He can do whatever He wants, in fact. He created us… We are vessels—it’s His power that is really working. Are you willing to pursue your calling to serve regardless of what you may have to sacrifice and the obstacles you may face? If you really evaluated, do you really trust Him? (All that was typed in this paragraph I am speaking to myself.) I believe, but help my unbelief, Lord! “You keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in You.”