I don’t know if this is how they train pilots or if there’s just a common lingo. Whenever I hear the pilot’s voice come over the speaker on a plane and they begin with this, “Well, folks. . . ,” I just go ahead and brace myself.
Because “well, folks” is pilot speak for . . .
There’s going to be a delay.
The plane is broke and we’re turning around.
Turbulence is right in front of us.
Basically it’s saying that something is coming and you’re not going to like it, but there’s not a lot we can do about it, so hang on.
Sometimes life can feel the same way.
Well folks, the ride is about to get bumpy.
I’m watching a friend of mine whose daughter was just diagnosed with some hard stuff. Nobody saw that coming.
I’m watching another whose grown children are moving far away. She had just settled into the excitement of welcoming a grandbaby. Saying goodbye wasn’t in the plan.
Unexpected turbulence and delays and broken places aren’t usually in our plan. We want smooth skies and easy landings, and for the pilot to do his job and let us enjoy the ride.
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:4 (NIV)
I spent a couple months recently in the book of James. This verse made me pause. Right there in the first chapter, here is a “Well, folks” kind of verse because right before it is this:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
James 1:2
May I do a Suzie interpretation of this passage? Bible scholars, forgive me.
Well folks, life is going to get bumpy from time to time. You’re not always going to see it coming, but there’s joy to be found in the trip. The testing of your faith produces endurance. You’ll learn how to fasten your seatbelt and hang on for the ride. You’ll trust that I’ll get you through. You’ll expand your lungs of faith as you call on me. You’ll learn what it is to be patient. You’ll find that I’m with you in the dark skies and the clear. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll have made it to the other side and be stronger for it.
Sometimes life is bumpy.
If that’s where you are, hang tight. You are in the part of your faith where walking with Him is integral.
You’re growing, even if it doesn’t feel like it. He’s equipping you.
His hands are on your life.
He’ll take you to the other side, but He’ll also show you things about Himself and the journey while you are in the midst. Please hear my heart. I’m not trying to say that what you are in isn’t hard because I’ve been in the “well, folks” part of my life, even this year as my sweet guy battled cancer.
But somehow, because we are His, these bumpy places only affirm that He’s right there with each of us. If that’s where you are, how can I (and my beautiful team) pray for you today?
If it’s somewhere that you’ve been, what is one thing that you learned from the “well, folks” parts of your life that will encourage someone else?
Life does get bumpy and none of us like turbulence and delays. Today I’m sharing your words in hopes to spur on another who may need them for their heart. Your time, dedication and love for others in not unnoticed Suzie. You love for The Lord is blessing others richly.
LOVE. Love your words Suzie. Whoa Big Fella said one pilot as we landed with a hard this and heavy brakes once. We all busted out laughing instead of bursting into cursing or some other angry exchange.
Thanks for lightening the mood and setting the tone for us to EXPECT a test, a bump, a detour or delay. Then we pray we hear God’s response as our time on earth ends. Well done, good and faithful…
Hugs. Susan
Thump. Not this. Silly autocorrect
What a wonderful analogy, Suzie! Thank you.
Hi Susie,
Even if the Bible Scholars stuggle with your paraphrase, i think it is spot on. I have just come out of the Well, folks phase of my life. While I was in the midst of it, God revealed many things to me, and I did come out of much stronger, more patient, and totally reliant on Him for all my needs. Life does get bumpy, but God is a there for us every step of the way. Pam
What if your bumpy phase doesn’t end? What if it’s a chronic illness that leaves you running a marathon, not a sprint? What if it affects your entire family as well as your own life? I lean on the Lord every day to give me enough strength, but there are some days when it’s really hard. Please pray for me.
Heavenly Father, pour your spirit upon Geralyn today. Give her peace, Lord. Give her strength that far surpasses her normal. Rise up within her a joy and a perseverance to run this race that has been set before her, and carry her to through to the finish line. Remind her that you can bring beauty out of every situation, and that even in this lifelong turbulence, you are there. You are faithful. And your promises still stand true. God, show her the incredible plans that you have for her life, even in the midst of this illness. Strengthen her family, Lord. Strengthen them as a team to run this race together. Show them the beauty that surrounds them today. Supply her every need, Lord. Be near to her on the good days, and on the bad days. Thank you, Father, for being our fortress, our strength, our rock, our healer, and our salvation. We love you and lift sweet Geralyn up to you today, in Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you, Crystal, for that beautiful prayer. I have copied it out so I may read it whenever I feel weak. Having your pray means so much to me. Thank you.
Geralyn, thank you for sharing such an honest question. I think it’s the same one that Paul asked when he talked about his “thorn in the side.” Some scholars believe it was an affliction of pain, but whatever it was it didn’t go away. Paul said, “His grace is sufficient.” He walked in that pain, so his words weren’t light or dismissive. He understood what it was to deal with something He didn’t want to be there.
Today I pray for God’s strength to be so near that His presence is greater than the pain. I pray that you sense Him close. That you find joy where it makes no sense, and peace that covers you as you rest at night. I pray that He is so near that you feel His hands reaching for you to help you take the next step. I stand with you today asking that God’s power touch your body and make you whole. I am believing with you.
Suzie.. Thank you for post.. Not only words for me I am trying my hardest to just get through my days without tears..that are flowing as I write.. Trying to Get this out ..Please pray for my Baby girl Nicole she is 14 and myself..I have so much anger inside of me Its hard to see straight.. 2 months ago she was raped by 2 guys we do know..they where hiding ,now arrested and bailed out.. I know God has been telling me to read Matthew.. I know my anger is clouding EVERYTHING.. I seriously can only think of hurting them..there family has pushed them away,so I am glad I won’t see them..I know satan is behind ALL OF THIS..Really truly I’m trying and been praying..and strong for my baby.. Their age is 18 & 21..I am Christian I do pray with her..plzzzz pray for us..any scriptures stand out to read.. Or I’m thinking Cod Has had Matthew on me for a reason..I’m praying for God to soften my heart to HERE HIM..I don’t want GOD mad or disappointed I’m me…Thank you and I so Love y’all.. Hugs
Oh Marta… my heart aches for you and your sweet girl. I have a 14 yr. old daughter and absolutely cannot imagine the horror you all are going through. I am so sorry. My prayers will be with you and your baby girl.
Heavenly Father, please come close to this family. Wrap them in your arms and show them your faithfulness. God I pray that you would be a strong presence in their everyday. Give them peace and rest. God you know the fear and anger they are feeling. Cover them in strength, peace, joy, forgiveness, understanding, rest, and courage. You only make beautiful things. We trust that you are making something beautiful out of this devastating situation. Reveal yourself through scripture, and offer words of comfort for this sweet momma. Allow the why’s and the confusion, Lord, but assure them that you are at the core of all of this. That it all comes back to you. That you are the only help in our times of need. God we trust you, we stand on your Word, and we worship you in the midst of the heartache. Be ever so near to these broken hearts. In Jesus precious name, Amen.
Chrystal,I’m praying with you and Suzie..I’m having a hard time at the moment to reply..I am going into my room and have a good cry pray and talk with and listen to God..When I gather my thoughts I will definitely come back to YOU BEAUTIFUL LADIES..See all my tears where only of anger I need to just cry.. I know you understand what I mean..I an BLESSED TO BE HERE!!..I so love you ALL..
Marta, we often think that God somehow asks us to dismiss such evil, when evil against a child makes the heart of God angry. I pray for justice for your daughter. I pray for healing for her mind and heart. I pray for truth to shine bright. I’m so sorry that this happened and I am weeping with you. I can’t imagine the hurt you feel, but I’m praying that you sense God’s strength and healing power for you and your family in such a measure that you are astounded by what He is doing. Thank you for loving your baby girl so well. Today we are fighting with you spiritually.
YES!
You hit the nail on the had with the pilot illustration, and it really did help me understand your message today. Thank you. I loved your “pilot paraphrase” of that scripture from James…..#TRUTH!
Oh my, I love this! I don’t fly much these days, but I love the illustration. Yep, Life gets bumpy quite often. This one will stick with me the next time I hit a bump. It will remind me God is with me and that the bumps can be a learning experience. I want God to grow me! He has seen me through much and I know He still has more in store.