Flying Lessons

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” --Jeremiah 29:11

A friend of mine told me this story about her encounter with God.
While traveling to Chattanooga, TN a few years ago, she read the autobiography, Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved, by Dorie Van Stone. The book retraces the past of a deeply wounded child transformed into a woman with a heart on fire for the God who loves her.
As a child, Dorie was rejected and abandoned by her mother, and abused by orphanage workers, foster parents, and relatives. In the midst of a horrendous childhood filled with daily mistreatment, Dorie was introduced to the One who did love her and would never abandon her. Her life is now one that reflects not her past, but her Savior.
As she finished reading the final chapter on the plane, she shared with the Lord that she wanted to meet Dorie, give her a huge hug, and thank her for writing the book. 
During her layover in Atlanta, she saw a woman resembling Dorie in one of the airport stores. She pulled the book out of her bag to compare the woman in the store with the photo on the back cover. She shook off the possibility and thought the same thing you are thinking now, “There is no way!” She proceeded to her gate promising herself if she saw her again she would ask if she was, in fact, “Dorie.”
She wasn’t proud to admit that when she appeared at her departure gate, she was a complete wimp and did not approach her. She sat two seats behind her on the plane, and still she said nothing. In Chattanooga’s airport she kept popping up, but she continued to come up with excuses for not asking a simple question. Finally, while waiting for her baggage, she heard someone say, “Mrs. Van Stone.”
She turned to her and finally asked, “Are you Dorie Van Stone?”  She answered “yes” (of course).  “Oh my!” was my intelligent response. She continued with, “I just finished your book on the plane.” 
“What did you think?” She asked, smiling.
“It was wonderful!” I managed to gurgle out. “I promised myself that if I ever met you I would give you a big hug!”
Without hesitation, she dropped her bags and gave her the biggest bear hug imaginable. She thanked her for writing the book and they quickly embraced again before going their separate ways.
She was amazed by the marvelous gift God gave her in meeting Dorie Van Stone. Her adrenaline high was cut short with the reality that she could have spent a lot more time talking with her, but was too afraid. God was prompting her, but she ignored Him. Instead of listening, she waited until it was safe to ask. To this day, she regrets the lost time she could have spent with Dorie.
She committed to never again allow fear to guide her decisions.
Every day, in little ways, God asks us to step out and trust Him. Sometimes He is asking us to share the gospel or help someone in need … and sometimes He is answering a prayer or simply asking us to receive a gift. Isn’t it easy to make excuses or justify saying “no?” We cheat ourselves when we respond this way. He offers us His goodness, shows us His glory, invites to be part of His work, and all we have to do is be sensitive to His prompting and say “yes.” 

REFLECTION

Remember what my friend learned that day – When God asks you to do something that is a little challenging or out of your comfort zone, He’s not asking you to blindly jump off a bridge to your death, He’s offering you a chance to fly!  So, prepare for flight, find comfort in the shadow of His wings (Psalms 36:7), and experience His goodness and love.

PRAYER REQUESTS – WEEK OF JULY 11TH

FOR THOSE WHO LOOK TO THE LORD FOR HEALING:

Rick Prenatt:  Hospitalized for heart tests.

PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING

Matt Kuecker:  Prayers of Thanks to God have been requested by Pat & John in honor of their son Matt’s safe return home from his combat tour in Kandihar, Afganistan, and his wedding to his fiancée, Erin on August 9.
Prayers are requested for all our troops as they face new offensives or as they adjust to life outside the war zone. 

But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. – Psalm 3:3-4

In Christ,
Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church