I’ll Fly Away

Written by Rhonda Rhea

I had one of those purgatory-type flights last week. The flight was delayed for over an hour so I missed my connecting flight. They put me on standby for the next one and I made it by the skin of my teeth. Then after we boarded, they realized our plane had too much fuel, so we sat for another hour while the gas guys sucked out a ton or two. I got home about five hours later than I had planned, but at least I got home.

And it could’ve been worse. One guy told us about how he had gotten nabbed in security for a pair of contraband NOSE HAIR CLIPPERS. Let me quickly add that I completely understand the need for heightened security in our airports. I support it and cooperate. But I have to admit I had to snicker when I tried to picture those nose hair clippers as a threat to our national security.

Can you imagine it? “I’ve got a pair of nose hair clippers–and I know how to use ‘em!”

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Or how about, “Stand back or I’ll trim your nose hair within an inch of your life!” I don’t mean to be tacky, but it seems to me that any guy who would try to hijack a plane with nose hair clippers would just be too stupid to be a threat to anyone’s security. Wouldn’t this be the kind of guy who would actually listen when the flight attendants give instructions in the fine art of seatbelt buckling? “Insert what? Where?” I have to tell you, I’m just not afraid of this guy.

I also know there’s nothing to fear when I fly because I know that Jesus is with me. But wait a minute. Didn’t Jesus say, “LOW I am with you always”?

Don’t worry. I really do know exactly where Jesus is. He’s right here in my heart. And as complicated as it may sound, at the same time he’s in my heart, I’m tucked safely in his hand. Ephesians 3:16-17 says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” Christ is dwelling right here in my heart. And Jesus himself said in John 10:27-28, “My sheep listen to my voice…no one can snatch them out of my hand.” How could I feel any safer than the security I feel when I’m nestled in his all-powerful and ever-loving hand? The next verse in the Ephesians 3 passage reminds me “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.” Excuse me, did that say high?

I also feel so much safer about flying now that I know I’m safe from any and all rogue nose hair clippers. The guy who got stuck in security ended up donating his clippers to the cause. We call him “Fur Nose” now.

Where do you turn when faced with fear? Read about learning how take risks in your faith and understand God’s place in pain and disappointment.