He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Corinthians 1:4
These two aircraft filled the skies over Currituck Airport last Saturday afternoon, and captured the attention of those participating in Aviation Day. From what I was able to research, I believe these are two Beechcraft T-34 Mentors (sure hope someone will correct me in the comments below if I have this wrong!). They were used by the US Navy to train pilots, and the pattern work and flybys they offered on a beautiful fall day did not disappoint. I was fascinated by the way the two mirrored each other, going left, going right, climbing higher, and then, allowing each other space to drop down for a touch-and-go maneuver.
Sure is an appropriate name for the aircraft, Amen? As the instructor trained the student within the tandem cockpit, I imagine there were many moments of mentoring going on in the skies. Challenging, encouraging, and sharing wisdom so that the next generation of pilots could perform at their best.
God comes alongside us when we go through hard times. How good it is when we can share the story with another about God’s being right there with us through our storms, through our struggles, and through our sufferings. These stories sustain us through the next season to come, and enable us to persevere through those moments in life that are just simply hard. I love what Paul says next, reminding the people of Corinth (and us!) before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us.
There is something to be said about a holy friend being there when you were going through a difficult time. I imagine we can all name those times, and can certainly name the person who was right there with us, maybe holding us, praying with us, and sharing the difficulty with us, as we navigated whatever road we were on. Thanks be to God for those folks who were there for us, and the strength they offered amidst the difficult and disruptive times we faced.
Friends, God may be calling you today to come alongside someone you know. Someone you know is going through hard times. Someone you know who may be hurting and suffering with whatever ailment or brokenness or conflict they are carrying. Be prayerful of how you can respond to someone else, just as someone once responded to you. It might just be a way for you to share the peace of Christ with someone who needs it right now. It might just be a way for you to extend God’s grace. It might just be a way for you to make a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Blessings,
David
If you would like to view past editions of Driving with David, follow this link: https://beacondistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/