Blog Detail

Friends, greetings in Jesus name! Today I will be sharing with you on what I title, “Going Through Life’s Turbulence With Courage”. In February 2010, 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 know what we were about to experience. The turbulence began non-stop. It was heart wrenching. Many thoughts were raging through my mind – will this plane land, will we get to our destination – and so on. My young daughter – less than three years old – was 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 hands I entrust my life and my family”. Then I noticed my wife – with our little boy strapped to her – 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 gruesome eight hours flight.

When we came down by early morning into Amsterdam, 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. Then I knew that could only have been God. Indeed, like the Psalmist said, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Ps.121:1-2). 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 an essential 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.” Listen, as long as you live here on earth, you can’t escape – trials – life turbulence. It will surely come if you are not there yet. What matters and makes the difference is how you handle it when it eventually comes. This is why you see two individuals passing through similar circumstance – one is being lifted high – and the other goes under. For instance, in the same economic hardship many are facing today, some are building houses, while others are being harassed and thrown out by landlords. That’s the irony of life.

In life every one of us undergoes 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 rely on God’s wisdom to navigate through, and is able to withstand the heat of life. According to Martin Luther King, “The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.” Remember, you are like a tea bag, not worth much until you have been through some hot water. Therefore, see every adversity as an opportunity to bring out the best in you. Jesus said, “Be of good cheer” in the face of troubles. Really, Life turbulence is meant to make you better not bitter. As the saying goes, “Adversity has Advantage.” Now, take advantage of getting the best out of every adversity that comes your way. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, just shout – Help Lord – then wait and see Him move mightily on your behalf in Jesus Mighty Name. Have a fantastic week as you experience a great encounter with Him. With love, Elvis!