The plane, filled with passengers, rumbled along the runway as the pilot got it in position for takeoff. After a brief stop, the engines roared, and soon we were headed down the runway, speed increasing, then we were in the air. One could feel the plane going up as it gained altitude, a smooth but noticeable bank to the right as the pilot turned it in the right direction. The instrument panel in front of me soon showed we were 35,000 feet above the ground and the clouds flying at almost 500 miles per hour. Around me was a buzz of activity and conversations. No one seemed concerned.
Looking out the window into what seemed an expanse of nothingness, I wondered at the marvel of this machine. What was keeping it from falling to the ground? It occurred to me that, as passengers, how much we took for granted. Without even thinking about it, there were many people we simply trusted: the mechanics who serviced the plane and that they did it as they should; the person who signed off that the final inspection showed all systems were good; the manufacturers that they did not cut any corners when assembling the aircraft and that every nut, bolt, cable, electrical wiring, and everything else, was in place as per the specifications. We trusted that the grounds crew had stored the cargo safely so that nothing shifted during the flight that could cause any load-balancing problems. We trusted that the air traffic controllers knew what they were doing as they controlled air traffic and issued instructions to the various pilots. We trusted the pilots that they were of sound mind, sober, experienced, qualified, and competent; that they had ensured that enough fuel was in the tanks for the journey. We trusted that the instruments were accurate and that we would land at our destination instead of elsewhere. Without hesitation, we trusted a lot of people, and more, without even thinking about it.
Then I thought about God and how difficult it was for some people, including you and me sometimes, to trust Him. Why is it that we trust the people responsible for the planes we fly in, and our flight, but we hesitate to trust Him who created the universe and everything in it? Why do we trust people capable of making mistakes (Ecclesiastes 7:20), but have difficulty trusting Him who makes no mistakes (Psalm 18:30)?
The Wisdom writer admonishes us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV). No attempt was made to prove that God can be trusted; it was a matter of fact. God invites you and me to trust Him. I have taken Him up on the offer. You?
