JUNE 24, 2013
Flight
Simulator
Read: John 16:25-33
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. —John 16:33
When
airplane pilots are training, they spend many hours in flight simulators. These
simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers
of
flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the
ground, and
if they crash in the simulation, they can calmly walk away.
Simulators
are tremendous teaching tools—helpful in preparing the aspiring pilot to
take
command of an actual aircraft. The devices, however, have a shortcoming. They
create an artificial experience in which the full-blown pressures of handling a
real cockpit
cannot be fully replicated.
Real
life is like that, isn’t it? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe,
risk-free environment
in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed.
The risks and dangers of living
in a broken world are inescapable. That’s why
the words of Jesus are so reassuring. He said, “These things I have spoken to
you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will
have tribulation; but
be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Although
we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through
a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.
Outward troubles may not cease,
But this your joy will be:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee.” —Anon.
No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.
Source: Our Daily Bread 2013
