Returning from the International Association of Missionary Aviation annual conference in east Texas, we made a stop in Collegedale, Tennessee, to drop off a passenger and take on fuel for the final leg to Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Flight Service Station weather reports indicated perfect timing. A line of spring thunderstorms had just moved to the east of our northbound course. Another batch was brewing to the west, but trailed several hours behind the first. Radar showed a wide corridor of clear air along our flight path. This was great news because our radios had been removed for a new stack to be installed before launching a mission to the Philippines. Our communication capability was limited to a handheld radio–no instrument flight.

We climbed into the starry sky. I checked in with Chattanooga Approach and navigated while Clifton Brooks flew the plane. Between communications with controllers, we chatted peacefully about missions and the privilege of serving God.

Just north of Indianapolis, a bright flash reflected off the windshield. I turned to look out the rear window. No more than a couple of miles behind us, two large cumulus clouds, illuminated by flashes of lightning, towered into the night sky. “I’ve got the airplane, turn around and look at that!” I exclaimed.

“Wow, we were just there!” Clif countered. The weather continued clear ahead, closing behind us as we flew north.

While life and flying don’t always turn out this way, a sense of peace attends those surrendered to the Father’s will. Jesus stayed awake communing with the Father while those around Him slept. This allowed Him to sleep while those around Him were terrified.

In that day this song will be sung…You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:1,3 NIV. Furthermore, God is love, and Perfect love drives out fear.” 1 John 4:8,18 NIV.

Perfect peace awaits you. Fear not, surrender to Him today.