Just recently, a Qantas A380 was forced to make an emergency landing at Singapore after one of its engines exploded. A few days later, another Qantas airplane Boeing 747 was forced to turn back to Singapore with engine troubles. I have booked a flight with Qantas and some who knew about this, suggested that I change airlines. This had crossed my mind but in the end I decided against it for two reasons.

No One but God Controls Death

First, we will have to pay an additional several hundred dollars. This money can be put to better use. Second, more importantly, the Bible says that “No one has the power to retain the spirit nor power over death” (Eccl 8:8). The power to decide when someone dies does not lie with any human being, any supernatural force, circumstances, fate, or anything. The only one who controls our birth and death is our Almighty Heavenly Father. Of course, that does not mean we can then act irresponsibly like booking a tour to a war zone. We had weighed the options and decided that they were probably isolated cases and that paying extra money for a change in flights is simply bad stewardship of God’s money. We exercised wisdom and faith.

 Exercising Wisdom and Faith

Exercise Faith. There are many things in life that can cause alarm: a threat to job security, a loss of income, a growth in the body or a disruption of a treasured relationship, just to name a few. But as God’s children, that is Christians, we need not fear. We need not fear not because these threats do not exist or that these threats are not harmful. No, there will always be real threats to our existence and happiness. But God promises us that “for those who love God, all things work together for good” (Rom 8:28). Our Lord also promises us that “He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Rom 8:32). In other words, we must believe that our Lord will never allow us to be hurt beyond what we can bear and that neither will He allow anything that will harm us to happen to us. You need to exercise faith in your Lord.

Exercise wisdom. God’s Word exhorts us, when caught in a difficult situation or trials, that “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). You need to pray for wisdom. But you need to pray with a heart that agrees to submit to God, that is, you will do things God’s way. Then you will receive wisdom that will help you navigate you to safety in such life threatening situations. And God is faithful. He will surely give you the needed wisdom. Trust Him. He has always proven Himself faithful. God prophecies contained in the Bible, which include threats of punishments and promises of deliverance number into thousands. Every prophecy that was due for fulfilment has been fulfilled. God always keeps His promises. He will keep His promise to protect you too. But for now, you need to walk close to Him, do what is right in His eyes and pray often for wisdom as you make each decision. He will take care of you.