Victory over a bit of fear

Yesterday we had an early flight home from a vacation in the USA. Or we thought we did. The first plane was on time but our connection in another city was delayed: once, twice, three times, then a fourth. Finally we boarded. The crew was on the last leg of a thirteen-hour shift. The plane was tiny and made a great deal of odd noises. The wall panel beside me was loose. I could see insulation through the crack. The window frame was also loose. My hubby wasn’t worried (he has a pilot’s license) but I started wondering if this flight would have an unhappy ending. To combat my rising anxiety, I started humming Jesus loves me, this I know.

We arrived home, several hours later than planned, but safe. This morning I feel a bit embarrassed. The threat of death should not cause anxiety, maybe a stirring of anticipation but not fear. This is God’s Word to me for today:

I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:50–58)

That is awesome news —the hope of all humanity. Death has no power over God’s people. The Lord Jesus Christ died for us and rose again! No one needs to be overcome by the threat of this defeated foe. He has beaten this last great enemy.

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Lord Jesus, as I sang last night on that weird and scary airplane, I could imagine Your great face, Your smile of welcome home. Either way, a good flight or not, I was going home. 😊

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Today’s thankful list . . .  

Two loaves of homemade bread in the freezer. A bowl of fresh tomatoes on my back step. An excellent washer and dryer and the energy to do a mountain of laundry. I-tunes radio is still available even though they no longer support it. A dear neighbor invited us to her July 1 party. Bob brought home a roasted chicken for supper. I get to go to bed early.