Thank God for aeroplanes

I have always loved aeroplanes. I remember the first time I flew (PE - Joburg) and how my eyes were glued to the window the entire flight, just marvelling in the geography lesson below that books could not teach me. Even after flying a few times I would find my neck being kind of stiff by the time that we land because I was looking through the window the entire time. There was a time when I convinced myself that I'm studying the right course because I might end up working in an airport, and even spend my one vacation training in PE airport (which as you know is really not that big...).  I will never forget the amazement I felt when I flew overseas for the first time and the realization that I'm actually flying over and looking down at Madagascar. Even now it still feels a bit unreal.

This morning I flew from PE to Joburg once again, and two things struck me. As the plane was taking off I was struck by the wonder that we are able to do that, that 100 people can just get into the air (go science!). And I was thanking God for the wonderful doors that this has opened. The original disciples had to walk wherever they needed to go. Due to aeroplanes, we are embarking on a journey to some of the distant worlds, reaching the far-flung islands within a few hours! Thank you Lord!

The second thing that struck me was how extremely small and insignificant I am! The house that I know and love shrunk within seconds. The highest mountain I have climbed was far below me. People were not even visible from up there.  But I also thought of Jesus. One man, living in a very small area of the world, covering ground with only His feet. And how, once He was glorified, He sent His Holy Spirit to embody a lot of vessels on earth, for one purpose. To be present at a lot of different places at the same time. I was reminded of Him asking me to continually empty myself to allow more of His presence to be made known on earth.

Flying on an aeroplane and realising how small you are can easily be overwhelming. The harvest (and the world) is indeed great, and the workers are few. But having spent 7 amazing weeks in training, I was thanking God. Because even though we're small, we're confident that the Spirit in all His glory and greatness is with all 31 of the students as we cover a large part of the globe this year. Yes we're commissioned to spread the gospel, but more importantly to empower people with the Spirit, so that even when we leave they'll walk in this power and become vessels themselves!

So as four teams embark on four different aeroplanes to four different countries this week, we thank God.

Thank You God for aeroplanes, but more importantly, thank You for the marvellous plan You had with Your Spirit! May His Kingdom come!