I’ve not heard those particular words, “Do as I say, not as I do”, but I have experienced what they mean. Have you ever heard someone tell another person or even tell you, “what, when and how to do something”? But yet they don’t take their own advice. This happens when we tell others how to trust God with all their fears and anxieties when in fact we don’t have a clue to how they are feeling. It would be wiser and more beneficial to the other person if we just say, “I will pray for God to help you”. I struggle with anxiety that causes me to be paranoid in high places such as near an edge of a building like the Statue of Liberty, or the edge of a cruise ship which I was on recently. It also includes sitting by the window of an airplane. Or riding the Blue Ridge Parkway and parking near the edge at the look-over. And yes, those bridges that climb to the sky. I have been on several airplanes and most have been pleasant and smooth, but I’ve had a couple of flights that I thought it was time to see the Lord.
On one of the turbulent flights many years ago I was reading “Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges. I couldn’t believe what I was reading at that very moment of despair – Jerry mentioned how God is in control of everything and that includes the nuts and bolts of an airplane. I had an urge to jump up and tell the people “God is in control so don’t be afraid”…..ah, but they most likely didn’t feel like me, so I remained still. Some of you that know me personally know that being still is not my best quality. I’m still in training! According to Philippians 1:6 I am being processed (emphasis mine). Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who too experiences anxieties when she thinks of flying. Her advice was appreciated because I knew she understood exactly what I was feeling. What she said has stuck with me and helps me to get a grip on these paranoid events. “Grace for today cannot be borrowed for tomorrow.”
Victory Call 