Pilot Error – A Bad Storm and the Grace of God

I was flying my antique 1942 Aeronca Defender aircraft from Elkins, West Virginia to the airport in Clarksburg where we had just moved. What should have been an enjoyable flight turned into a living nightmare when I almost lost my life. In all the years I had been flying, it was the only time I took off in bad weather. Poor judgment by any pilot is an accident in the making. The wind and visibility were already at the minimum requirement but I thought I could get to my destination before the worst of the storm set in. Not a wise decision! Half way to the airport in Clarksburg, I flew into some severe weather and incredibly turbulent winds. Within seconds I could not see out the windshield, and my aircraft was being tossed around like a paper airplane. [pullquote4 align=”right” style=”width:300px;”]His Presence
I searched for God in the twilight hours,
Before the sunrise brought morning showers.
When dandelions awoke to savor the day,
And beautiful butterflies came out to play.
His presence filled my room, the aroma was so sweet,
I felt His kiss as I knelt at His feet.
Immersed in His glory in time and in space,
Aware of my sins, yet surrounded by grace.
His presence that day served as guide and as friend,
I seek and I follow but where will it end.
He lifted me up through the storms and above,
Showing the way with His grace and His love.
I now know the secret of seizing the day,
Whisper his name and rejoice and then pray.
His presence will cleanse you like fresh morning rain,
Should you stumble and sin, He’ll remove all your pain.[/pullquote4]To make matters worse, my plane had nothing more than basic antique instruments. I was not equipped nor experienced enough for this kind of situation. For the next eighteen minutes, I thought my life was over but somehow I managed to stay in the air. When the storm passed, I found myself over 50 miles off course, disoriented and low on fuel. Oh yes, did I tell you I took off without checking the gas level, which could only be done by inserted a ‘marked’ stick into the tank? I found what looked like a corn field and somehow landed my plane. Within minutes a very irate farmer came out with a shovel and began to threaten me. After I explained the emergency, he calmed down and even gave me a few gallons of gas, and once again I was on my way. After landing at the Clarksburg airport, my hands and knees shook for two hours. It was great to be alive!

Funny how we look for God at the most precarious of times — mostly, I guess, when we’re facing a storm. Quite often we take flight without enough spiritual fuel or first seeking His permission. He seems to understand though, and in His infinite goodness, steadies our course, calms the winds and says, “Child, I was with you the entire time and I am here for you now.” (Hebrews 13:5-6). The storms of life that we experience are not designed to destroy us. Rather, they strengthen us until we pass through to the other side. They assist in our spiritual development and maturity. God’s faithful presence enables us to survive all circumstances!

Romans 8, “For we know all things work together for good.”

Hope blooms with safety where minds and hearts are open to God’s eternal purpose.