My father never got to where he enjoyed flying in airplanes. Whenever possible, he would drive his car, making the excuse that “it just felt better” to have the road under him. When the opportunity came for my parents to visit their missionary friends in Africa, he got a little anxious. It involved changing planes, some of which were smaller in size. Of course, they had a great time and returned home without any problems. In talking with him about their experience I ask him about the airplanes. He responded, “It’s good to be home and have both my feet on the ground. It wore me out because I didn’t put my weight down on that seat the whole trip.”
For some of us, that statement describes our walk of faith. It’s difficult for us to “put our weight down” on “what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1). We would much rather see what we’re putting our weight on. Faith, for some people is a lot like my dad’s airplane flight. They try to walk by faith and still not lean fully on God’s grace. But like dad said, it wears you out.
Let me remind you of two verses, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament:
Deut 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. NIV
1 Peter 5:6-7
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. NIV
Are you tired? Tired of trying to hold yourself up? Tired of trying to figure out what you don’t understand? Tired of fighting battles that have already been won? Tired of pleading with God for things He has already given you? Tired of trying to keep that plane in the air? Put your weight down on what you do not see and enter into the rest that God has provided.
That’s my view of things.
P.S. And yes, like father – like son, I would much rather drive than fly. I would much rather hit a dip in the road than one in the air.