On a recent trip, our flight was delayed two-and-one-half hours because there was no pilot to fly the plane. Though all were fairly irritated by the delay, few complained (out loud) because no one really wanted to take-off without the pilot and his crew. When he finally arrived, he explained that he had been in the airport most of the time, but did not hear the announcements because they did not make the announcements in the pilot’s lounge.
When we need help with something we don’t always look in the obvious place for the help we need most. In fact, often will look everywhere except where we need to look.
When the car breaks down, we can work ourselves into a tizzy, and still not get the silly thing running. We try to get it started. We crank and crank until we become cranky. Finally, we give up and call a mechanic who immediately locates the problem and gets us back on the road.
When the air conditioner fails to cool the house, we can sit and sweat and complain about the heat. We can adjust the thermostat lower and lower, all to no avail. We may even go outside and look really hard at the air conditioner as if we are somehow going to see the problem and be able to fix it ourselves. After several uncomfortable nights, we finally call the serviceman who promptly arrives and has us chillin’ in no time. He sends us a bill, but it’s worth it.
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We try everything to make life work. It doesn’t.
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In sports we often develop habits that hinder our performance. We make minor adjustments (sometimes major ones) to our swing, to our stance, or to our shot, thinking that these changes will correct the problem. It does not help. Eventually, we accept the fact that to improve our skills, we need to consult a professional, a coach, or an expert who can help us see, then, correct the problem.
Some of us practice the “heal thyself” approach to medical care. We try every over-the-counter drug available thinking surely “this one” will be the remedy. After weeks of unsuccessful self-treatment, and considerable pleading from loved ones, we agree to see the doctor. He takes one look at us, listens to our breathing, makes a diagnosis, prescribes some medication, and within a few days we are back to normal.
We do the same thing with our approach to living. We try everything to make life work. It doesn’t. Instead of things getting better, they get worse. We are up one day, and down the next. Some days go up and down so fast we can hardly tell which is which. We read self-help books. We get training from life-guides. We may be considering giving up all together. Finally, we are reminded of Peter’s words when asked by Jesus if he would desert him like the others were doing: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68, NIV).
As we taxied to the runway on our trip, the pilot assured us that his flight report would include these words, “The next time you are looking for a pilot, try the pilot’s lounge.” As you search for someone to help you with your problems don’t overlook the most logical source for your help: the Lord. The Psalmist put it this way, “I life up my eyes to the hills —- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV).
Let’s go the True Source of life and enjoy His help!
Try the Pilot’s Lounge