Thursday Thoughts: Who’s Piloting Your Ship?
Last Sunday at my church, CrossPoint Church (Kansas) , our teaching pastor Andy Addis shared a great message centered around faith, courage, and strength. He referenced Deuteronomy 31:6, which says:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
As part of his sermon, Andy read the poem The Pilot by Robert Louis Stevenson. It’s a short piece that really stuck with me, and I’d like to share it with you:
The Pilot by Robert Louis Stevenson
If I am spared to reach the shore, And live the action that I planned, Then, faithful to my Master’s hand, I’ll praise Him ever, evermore.
Yet, when the darker hour shall come, And fearless voices comfort none, He’ll guide me through the chill and gloom— My Pilot, till the work is done.
This poem, combined with Andy’s message, has had me thinking all week. Life is full of seasons—some calm and steady, others stormy and uncertain. No matter what season we’re in, having the right pilot is crucial.
While I believe God is our ultimate Pilot, I also believe He places “micro pilots” in our lives—people who help guide us through challenges and shape the journey we’re on. This week, I want to explore the importance of choosing the right pilots and being a good pilot for others.
Facing Life’s Journey
Life can feel like a ship on a voyage. There are calm waters where everything seems to be going well, but there are also rough seas that test our strength and resilience. Just like a ship needs a steady hand at the helm, we need guidance to navigate life’s ups and downs.
God, as the ultimate Pilot, is always steering us toward safety and purpose. He sees the bigger picture, even when we can’t. But on a day-to-day level, we also need “micro pilots”—friends, family, mentors, and leaders who help us stay on course.
For me, my wife Michelle and I are trying to be pilots for our kids. We don’t always get it right, but we work hard to guide them, giving them tools and wisdom to navigate their own paths. I’ve also had amazing pilots in my life—parents, coworkers, supervisors, and friends who have stepped in at just the right time to provide direction or encouragement.
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Who Are Your Micro Pilots?
It’s obviously important to surround yourself with the right people. The people you allow to guide you can have a huge impact on your life. As such, I’ve been thinking about what makes a good pilot. Here are three qualities I believe we should look for in a good pilot:
What Kind of Pilot Are You?
Just as we need good pilots in our lives, we’re also called to be pilots for others. Are you someone who lifts others up, guides them when they’re unsure, and stands by them when things get hard?
Being a good pilot isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we do. Actions speak louder than words. A true pilot leads by example, showing others how to navigate challenges with faith, courage, and strength.
This applies at work, at home, and in our communities. Whether you’re mentoring a coworker, supporting a friend, or guiding your kids, your actions have the power to steer others toward success.
That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…
Take a moment to think about the pilots in your life. Who are the people guiding and supporting you? Reach out to them this week and let them know how much you appreciate their role in your journey. Then, think about the kind of pilot you are. Are you someone who offers faith, courage, and strength to others? If not, what’s one small step you can take this week to start?
Life’s journey is full of twists and turns, but we don’t have to navigate it alone. With God as our ultimate Pilot and the right people by our side, we can face any challenge with confidence.
I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work, and for being part of what makes this world amazing.
If this week’s Thursday Thoughts resonated with you, I’d love to hear about the “pilots” in your life. Who are the people who have guided and supported you through life’s challenges? How have they made an impact on your journey?
Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments, tag someone who has been a pilot for you, or pass this post along to your network. And if you’d like to see more content like this, consider following my page or subscribing to Thursday Thoughts.
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1 个月George Lipford - great colleague, friend and co-pilot.
Smith Family Wines and Valley Farm Management
1 个月I have many "co-pilots" and know I serve this role to others as well. To me the biggest message is we are not alone. I think when things get difficult or we don't have answers we have a tendency to panic, freeze or get depressed. To your point, there are always people (pilots) that can help...but you also have to be vulnerable enough to ask. On the other side I think as pilots we have a responsibility to recognize when we need to offer that help and guidance to those that don't know how to ask. The worst that can happen is a decline and the best could be infinite! Thanks for the post as always Jed Miller. Just a moment each week to stop, reflect and see what action we can take is a win!