It is Just a matter of time

Extract from the Book "Walking with God When Life Hurts"

Epilogue 4/6

Time to Engage the Landing Gear

The plane does not stay above the clouds forever. The journey must come to an end and the plane brought to the ground. Sometimes the flight takes its normal journey and passengers disembarked as scheduled. To some, life’s journey aligns to a full and enjoyable, incident free flight. Living out their full years. They close their life’s journeys in full fat years. “He/She died in peace.” The words are echoed throughout the funeral and as long as this life is remembered. A glance at their face shows nothing but peace. Those around celebrate the life than pay a painful lament at the loss of such a life.

Others, however, close their life’s journeys abruptly. By force or violently, his or her demise takes everyone by surprise. Shock characterises the mood on the faces of acquaintances. Like in an emergency, panic displays in various departments of this life that played a major function. The desk at the office is empty, and someone else must immediately function to close the gap. A business scheduled meeting aborts and the associated transaction hold. Nose-diving, losing control, stalling; the plane is described as it brings down its victims to a fateful fall. No need to guess. The outcome sends many hearts to break and lament. “Untimely” the masses describe the fateful event.

Others may not be in any of the above flights. Taking a full course, the plane finally lands in safety, yet with difficulty. None probably expected to land safely. With great difficulty, the plane soared. The jet fuel leaked or ran out before the journey concluded. The engine failed and the plane must use one engine. Both engines cease and the plane must soar and land. A major part of the plane rip-offs causing instability. Somehow, the plane lands safely despite the massive damage or failure of some critical component.

Many go this way and identify with the apostle Paul who sought the Lord to take away the thorn in the flesh that buffeted his body. Three times he sought the Lord and asked that the thorn in the flesh be taken away. In wisdom, the Lord answered Paul’s prayers; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” [2 Corinthians 12:9] With this thorn, many run the race; they fight a good fight until their last breath. Living with it the rest of their life’s journey, they ride on the ailment that will finally be the means to usher them to glory.

Others, however, will never take any of the above flights. Their life’s journey must be described as “short”. Many questions will be asked about their parting so soon. In the prime of their lives they take an early exit from this earth. The plane will not run the full course. It will not land safely; may be torn apart in mid-air, may be a collision, may be a crash, may be an enigmatic disappearance. Family members know where the ailment will finally lead; and it happens sooner than later. Spending to avert the dreadful, love is shown to the departing. Kindness, physical presence and many goodwill gestures surround the departing. Forced to face the aftermath of the dreaded event, acquaintances begin to sit upright and fasten their seatbelts. Soon, a life will be squeezed out early. Onlookers pray in their hearts “Lord save me from certain deaths!” Are such prayers answered? Such questions arise in the minds of some.

Unless the Lord returns in your day, we must fly in one of the planes. Unless like Enoch and Elijah rapture takes us into heaven, we must pass through the portals of death. Like a thief in the night, or sudden labour pains upon an expectant mother, the plane must land. The landing gear must be engaged. When that time comes, you must not resist, nor kick in protest. Instead, offer the prayers of faith, of hope and of triumph! Pray with the psalmist, “Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I will cry to you, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me. A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.” [Psalm 61:1-4]

(Barnabas Chiboboka, Puplished in 2017)

https://l.facebook.com/l.php...