God at the controls: A message from the chancellor.

It was another trip to remember. As my plane taxied out to the runway a few days ago, a man suddenly threw off his seatbelt and rushed up the aisle. Through tears he expressed that he was feeling anxious and needed to get off the airplane. As you might imagine, passengers around me reacted with disbelief and disgust as our already-delayed plane returned to the gate. What’s wrong with this guy?

The truth is that this man is far from alone in dealing with the problem of anxiety. While unwilling to admit it, many people are deeply troubled with job insecurity, a volatile stock market, North Korean missile threats, and gun violence. Anxious thoughts have an incredible way of dominating our minds.

We live in a worried world, and I do not need to remind you that we as Christians are certainly not exempt from hard times and turbulence. However, Philippians 4:6 makes it crystal clear how God expects us to respond. Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Easier said than done, right?

Whether you are a recent graduate of the Bible Institute or an alumnus from years past, God expects your total trust and obedience. You may not fully see it now, but He holds the controls and has an incredible plan for your life. When faced with the cares and uncertainties of life, God wants you to trust Him by taking your seatbelt off and rushing to Him. With complete confidence in His sovereignty and love, you can throw “all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

I am thrilled with all that God is doing in and through your life. Be sure to let me know how I can pray for you in the days ahead.