“All the days ordained for me were written in Your Book before one of them came to be.” Psalm 139:16
I don’t know about any of you, but most of us know exactly where we were when the Twin Towers in New York City went down on September 11, 2001. My husband and I were touring the boyhood home of Pres. Eisenhower in Nebraska on our way to Colorado when we heard news of the disaster. It seems everyone has a story! I found this one about Jill Briscoe, Christian writer, author and teacher and thought I would share it with you.
Jill was on United Flight 929, returning home from a speaking/teaching engagement in Russia. They were 3 ½ hours out of London on their way to Chicago when the Pilot’s voice came over the intercom. “All airspace and borders have been closed in and out of the United States. We have been informed we have a national emergency on our hands and will be landing in 20 minutes at Gander Airport in Newfoundland. I can’t tell you anymore until we are on the ground. Crew, prepare the cabin for landing.”
As Jill read the emergency landing instructions, she thought over two things. 1.) There was no where I would rather be than in that airplane seat, firmly buckled in. This was God’s will for me today. “All the days ordained for me were written in Your Book before one of them came to be,” Psalm 139:16. 2.) I had a sense of anticipation for whatever was ahead. God gave me 30 minutes to think about what I really believed. God was in control. Nothing happens to His children apart from His will. God is good, all the time! Jill and other Jesus-lovers on that plane had an advantage. They had a “high tower” to run into, a Good Shepherd to calm their hearts and hush their fears, and no matter what happened, the Best was yet to come! Waiting to be processed by the Canadian authorities, they remained in their seats for 12 hours before being bused 30 miles to a Salvation Army church in Gambo, Newfoundland. For six days, God gave them opportunities to put into practice what they believed.
Jill had just been in Russia teaching pastors, church leaders and missionaries to speak for Christ in any situation, to anyone who would listen. Now, the Lord was giving her an opportunity to live out her faith! Her “people group” consisted of 200 passengers and crew from many different cultures and countries. But where to start? Jill prayed all the time. She smiled, she would touch a shoulder or arm and ask, “How are you doing?” And people responded. One girl asked, “What on earth do you have to smile about?” Jill told her! They were served meals each day at long tables by Salvation Army staff whose gifts of mercy shouted louder than words. One passenger said, “We really lucked out being here. I don’t know why they have been so giving and kind to us!” Jill told him! Meal after meal, God prepared hearts around her. Some needed a challenge, some assurance or comfort. It turned out to be one of the most challenging, exciting, productive weeks of her life!
Jill didn’t win every argument about the love and character of God. (How could a good God let this happen?) But, the passengers became a planeload of thankful people and Jill welcomed the opportunity to put the faith she writes and talks about to work in a difficult setting.
The writer of Hebrews says, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews 12:28-29.
Your friend, Jean