Just Keep Flying

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. (Philippians 3:12-16 ESV). Most of the time we read the text today and think it is all about doing more in life when in reality it is about thinking more. Alan Bean, an Apollo astronaut, tells the following: Test pilots have a litmus test for evaluating problems. When something goes wrong, they ask, "Is this thing still flying?" If the answer is yes, then there's no immediate danger, no need to overreact. When Apollo 12 took off, the spacecraft was hit by lightning. The entire console began to glow with orange and red trouble lights. There was a temptation to "Do Something!" But the pilots asked themselves, "Is this thing still flying in the right direction?" The answer was yes--it was headed for the moon. They let the lights glow as they addressed the individual problems, and watched orange and red lights blink out, one by one. That's something to think about in any pressure situation. If your thing is still flying, think first, and then act. When we face the crises of life, most of the time we merely need to realize that “the thing is still flying.” Let me make a few suggestions to be practical in the crises of life: 1. First, surround yourself with people who have the wisdom of Christ. These are people who will help you see clearly the provision and planning of God in your life. Instead of panic they will induce peace. 2. Second, remember the end of the journey is assured. Keeping the ultimate goal in mind clarifies the immediate goal. Remember, if it’s still flying, waiting to react until you think your course of action through is always better. 3. Third, check your actions with prayer and Scripture. Whatever you believe needs to be done should be confirmed with prayer and Scripture. It is often true that God directs us to a change of course with a crisis. If that is the case, he will certainly confirm it through prayer and Scripture. So, just keep flying. God has assured that no “crash” will be the end of the journey. There is always a way through every crisis!