Turbulence - Part 2

Training for Today: Cross-train for 30 minutes

Devotion: Turbulence - Part 2

While our approach to life’s turbulence impacts our personal outlook, it also impacts the outlook of those around us. My eyes were opened to this impact when my husband and I began traveling with our two children. When boarding the plane, my kids looked to my face for a positive or negative reaction. When the plane began racing down the runway, they looked to me for confirmation that the plane was supposed to do that. And, when those bumps occurred along the way, they turned to me for comfort. The turbulence wasn’t just about me anymore – I now had an audience.

My choices in coping with turbulence were changed right then and there. Remember the “white-knuckle grip of death”? It relaxed into a hand that could reach out in love. Remember the closed eyes that tried to make the turbulence disappear? They opened and offered a connection point that communicated understanding and comfort. And remember the angry looks that created helplessness? The anger gave way to compassion.

God’s plan for salvation has a say in this process as well. My sins had a “white-knuckle grip of death” on me. Jesus washed them all away as his hands reached out in love on the cross. My sins closed my eyes to the light of God’s Word. Jesus opened my eyes when he understood my sinful condition as it pierced his hands. My sins deserve God’s angry looks and eternal punishment, but God’s anger gave way to compassion through his only Son.

As long as I am on this earth, I will have an audience for my episodes of turbulence. Now, because of God’s great love for me, I can testify to God’s promises! I can reach out in love, offer my understanding and comfort, and express my compassion.

God’s plan of salvation is yours! His love, understanding, and compassion are yours! As you face life’s turbulence, I pray that the Lord fills you with the Gospel message to the point of overflowing. Turbulence is temporary; God’s promises are eternal!

Prayer
Dear Father, use me as a witness of your promises as I face life’s turbulence. Fill me with your love, understanding, and compassion that I may share your grace with those whose outlook remains on the temporary trials of this life. Amen.