Turbulence

I wrote this passage while ~40,000 feet in the air heading back from an interview at the Mayo Clinic Family Medicine Residency Program. (Wow ) I remain in awe of the goodness of God and the blessings He continues to pour out on me. It truly is amazing, and I am ever so grateful to Him and to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. 

While on the plane, we experienced some turbulence, which brought some things to mind. When you think about the possibilities of what the pilots do when there is turbulence, what can they do? The plane is not going to go down because they are trained to handle it. They know what they're doing. They adjust, and they keep going.

While on this flight, God told me that just like the plane meets turbulence, we may meet unexpected turbulence in our lives. This may come in the form of the loss of a loved one, an unexpected breakup, loss of a job, or difficulty in marriage. When we encounter these things, we may have an initial instinct to stop. Give up. Throw in the towel. It is only human to feel this way.

On my flight, after the plane experienced a moment of turbulence, there was a period of smooth flying. The reality of the situation is, we wouldn't be able to appreciate a smooth flight if it weren't for a little turbulence.

This principle can be applied to our everyday lives. In life, you WILL experience rough times. Lonely times. Difficult times. When these things happen, it may feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Like a dark cloud is invading every part of your heart and soul, making it just a little harder to breathe. But John 16:33 says In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

You WON'T always see turbulent times coming. (I sure didn't) It is during these times that we must exercise our faith and ACTUALLY FULLY TRUST in God. We must pray, seek guidance, adjust ourselves, and believe that God will move in our situation. God doesn't promise us that we won't go through difficult times. What He does promise is that He will be there with us through them.

Philippians 4:6 says Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Now, I can’t tell you how many times I read that verse before. I read it in church. I read it in my own studies at home. Turns out, all those times I was reading it, I never actually believed what it was saying. I knew I was supposed to believe it. I knew that I was supposed to trust God. I wanted to. When difficulty came during my college years, I was worried and fearful. I then realized, if I was this worried, then I didn’t really trust God. You see, our actions and reactions during time of difficulty can be a direct reflection of our faith and walk with God. How do you react during times of difficulty? Do you shut down? Or are you prayerful, faithful, and hopeful in the God you say you believe in?

God permits difficult times in order for us to strengthen our faith. He allows certain things to happen to where we have no choice but to trust in Him and Him ALONE.

Last year when I experienced an unexpected change, it was rough. The turbulence was so real. I can honestly tell you that the reason I am here today is because of the all-knowing God. He has kept me when I didn't even want to be kept. He stepped into those dark places even when I straight-up wanted to be left alone. He has spoken to me through my brothers and sisters in Christ. He has sent me the right people and resources at the right times. He has comforted me and lead me to a place of peace that surpasses all understanding. Once I realized that God was totally in control (even though I wanted to be, at times), those feelings of worry started to disappear.

Romans 8: 18 says, For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

So what do you do when the weight of the world is on your shoulders after unexpected turbulence?

1. Pray

2. Seek Guidance

3. Adjust ourselves

4. Believe that God will move in our situation

While on the aircraft, when you experience “rough air”, you can't do anything about it. All you can do is trust the pilot. If we allow God to be the pilot of our lives, no matter what turbulence we encounter, we WILL get through it as long as we trust the master pilot, Jesus Christ. Trust Him in the difficult times because He knows. He created you and I. He knows our future. Trust Him in the journey. No matter what it feels like. He won't let you go down.

~Love Always, Alleen