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Beloved, greetings in Jesus Name! Today, I will be sharing with you on what I title, “Going through Life’s Turbulence with Courage”. Some years ago, I flew with my family from JFK Airport in New York to Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam. We were heading back home to Lagos. Just barely two hours before approaching Amsterdam, the trouble began in the air. We were advised by the Pilot to fasten our seat belts. Little did we have an inkling of what we were about to experience. The turbulence began non-stop. It was heart wrenching. I remember my two-year-old daughter, who will be turning thirteen this year, looking dazed at me. Even though she didn’t say a word, I knew the question raging through her mind – Dad, what is going on here? The only thing I could do at that moment was to say a simple prayer – Lord, into your hand I entrust my life and my family. I noticed my wife was praying too. Suddenly, the fear left my heart and was replaced by the peace of God. Finally, the Boeing 777 landed safely after a grisly eight hours flight.

When we came down by early morning, everywhere was covered with snow. I couldn’t help but imagine how the Pilot was able to navigate his way through such heavy windstorm, and still manage to land safely at the airport covered with snow. Then I knew that could only have been God. Indeed, like the Psalmist said, “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Ps.91:1). As a matter of fact, as soon as we left New York that day, many airports in the U.S. including JFK were shut down due to heavy snow. What is the bottom line of this story? In your journey through life – expect some turbulence – it is part of life package. In John 16:33, Jesus said to His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” As long as you live here on earth, you can’t escape trials – it will surely come. But how you will respond or handle it makes the difference.

This is why you see two individuals passing through similar circumstance – one is being lifted high and the other goes under. Jesus said, “Be of good cheer” in the face of troubles. In life we all undergo God’s School. It is called the “University of Life”. In this school, there are no failures because God does not produce failures. You do not get expelled for poor performance; you only repeat class. Your promotion to the next level is predicated upon passing your current class. The timing for each class is set by God. But how long you stay in a particular class is your choice. For some, a class meant for one year may take them 10 years to complete. But for others, that same class may take only six months. What makes the difference is how fast an individual learns to withstand the heat of life. Remember, Life turbulence is meant to make you better not bitter. As the saying goes, “Adversity has advantage”. Therefore, rejoice – not whining or murmuring – as you go through trying times. May God’s praise continually fill your mouth irrespective of whatsoever you may be going through (Psalm 34:1). Have a fantastic week. With love, Elvis!