Fear of Flying

I don’t even remember the first time I got on an airplane. I just know that it was before I was deductive enough to ponder (and be terrified of) the concept: a very large and heavy metal object takes off into the sky and then an hour or so later lands hundreds of miles away. Because you have to admit, it is a very strange concept.

But since I had flown successfully for as long as I could remember, I never was afraid of flying.

Until 9/11. Something about the images of the planes crashing into buildings made me afraid – afraid of the concept, afraid of putting my life in someone else’s hands, and afraid of what could happen if things went wrong.

But life goes on. Obligations forced me to suck it up, face my fears, and fly. But there was always this nervousness.

And so each time I boarded a plan, I began to have a conversation with myself.

I can do this. I can get on this plane. And if something goes wrong and we crash. I can trust in this:

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Check. Check. I have a “life insurance” policy.

And eventually the fear subsided. As I flew more I forgot to be afraid. Until last week when the news became filled with more talk of terrorists taking over planes. Fear crept in. And so I started talking to myself again. But this time the conversation was different.

I can do this. I know that God has a plan for me. I trust in his plan. And whatever happens, the destination is home.

I might still be afraid of flying…but at least I am making progress in trusting in God’s plan.

What gets you past your fears?