Isaiah 43: 1-2

 1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
       he who created you, O Jacob,
       he who formed you, O Israel:
       "Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
       I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

 2 When you pass through the waters,
       I will be with you;
       and when you pass through the rivers,
       they will not sweep over you.
       When you walk through the fire,
       you will not be burned;
       the flames will not set you ablaze.

 

"Caught In The Storm"

 

 

Years ago, I was enthralled as I listened to a pastor who for several
 years had faithfully served the church. His executive responsibilities
 had taken him all over this country. As he concluded his message, he
 told of one of the most frightening yet thought-provoking experiences
 of his life.
 

He had been on a long flight When the first warning of the approaching
problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on "Fasten your
seat belts". Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be
serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little
turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."
 
As he looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the
passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice of the
announcer said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal

at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."
 

And then the storm broke. The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard
even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening
skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed
around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on
terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to
crash.
 

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those
around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that
nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying.
 

The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make

it through the storm.
 

Then, I noticed a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to
her! She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she
was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and
orderly. Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again;
then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her

world. When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm, when
it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening
severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that
marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid. The minister
could hardly believe his eyes.
 
It was not surprising that when the plane finally reached its
destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our
pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a
long time. Having commented about the storm and behavior of the plane,

he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."
 

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental,
financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly
darken our skies & throw our plane spinning out of control. We have
all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much
easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are
being tossed about a darkened sky.
 

Just remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us
home!

Author unknown

God Bless America