Maintaining altitude in adverse conditions

Photo Credit: Soph's Digital Media Blog

     We have been on an airplane when the Pilot comes over the speaker and says that during the flight, we will be experiencing some turbulence.  He assures us that everything will be fine. And without hesitation, we generally calm down.  But what happens when the Pilot assures us and yet the flight continues to be bumpy?
     That's kind of what we experience through life, marriage, jobs and everyday moving.  We want to continue to fly high, but all conditions prove that this is going to be a bumpy ride.  Oh, it doesn't start off like that, but as time goes on...things happen and without warning, the calm trip turns into something totally different.  Now, the first reaction is to bring the plane down and end the flight.
     I was watching the Weather Channel one day and something interesting came across the television.  The subject was tornados and although they spoke of how devastating the tornado is, its damage during the storm, all the caos it causes, in the eye of the storm was the most peaceful place.  Things are turning, moving, breaking, all is dark and it seems as though nothing good can come out of this.  And yet, at the very top of this storm, there is such a peace.  A Peace with what the world can't give.
     Every eye is on you, they know the fight that you have.  They judge and tell you how impossible it is to accomplish any goals.  Defeat is calling and telling you to decrease altitude, you are Soaring too high.  They try to convince you that the AIR up there is too thin and you know you can't operate in those circumstances.  You hear so much negativity that you begin to tell yourself that maybe decreasing altitude is the best option.  I can't see in front or even looking back is blinding.  Beneath me is sinking and I'm so weighed down that I dare not look up.
     But God! (The Pilot) Knows every situation.  He built us and in all His Children,  He has put a certain level of strength that enables us to maintain altitude in adverse conditions.  When birds fly high it takes strength to maintain altitude.  They strive to get to an altitude that is right for them.  Then when they get to the desired altitude, Soaring is easy - At that point they know they can maintain.  They find a certain Peace at those heights.  Getting there and maintaining takes work.  God has instilled in His Children all the necessary equipment needed to get to that certain height and maintain altitude, even in adverse conditions.
     Whatever the tools God has given you, flawed or not, keep maintaining altitude even if you can't see the finish line.  Obstacles may be all around you, but keep maintaining altitude. Haters give you 101 reasons why you can't, but maintain your altitude.  And even when the tornado hits and devastation is everywhere, keep maintaining altitude.  We serve a God that gives Peace in the eye of the storm and with just one word, even the winds and the sea obey His words, "Peace be still."