One of our pastor friends once had an opportunity to ride in the cockpit of a plane during the flight. He said that once they were airborne and had reached a certain altitude, the pilot radioed back and said “We are committed!”  That story resonated in my spirit and I have never forgotten it because of that simple phrase.  “We are committed!”   In other words, there is no turning back now.  The plane was already in the air. The time to make sure everything needed for the flight was on board and the plane was flight ready had passed. He couldn’t turn around in the middle of the flight to go back and gas up the plane or stop and let someone off.  If something goes wrong, the pilot can’t go all the way back to the airport, he has to know what the emergency procedures are and be confident in his ability to execute them.  The people who boarded the plane put their faith in his flying ability. The pilot made the commitment to learn how to fly the plane before he ever flew with passengers.  Choosing any profession in which you are responsible for human lives takes great courage as well as commitment.  I often meditate on Joshua 1:9 when I reflect on my commitment to God and ministry.  “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”   

Lately, I have been reflecting on how reliable my commitment is to those things God has entrusted me with?   Sometimes I have to remind myself that when you choose to follow God, you are accountable to him as well as to your fellow man.  However, you do not have to be afraid.  Just as flight school and other training prepares a pilot before the passenger board the plane, Jesus has already prepared the way for us before we were even born.  Furthermore, he has made it clear that we do not have to walk alone.

I know the time for New Year’s resolutions has passed and so many people have already fallen short of this year’s goal, but why not take this opportunity to re-commit yourself to what God has called you to do?  Make a list of thing that you are committed to.  Then take the next step.  Ask yourself when was the last time you made a selfless sacrifice for anything or anyone on the list.  Ask God to show you ways to recommit to those things in a way that will be pleasing to him.  And, if you are doing a good job, keep it up.  If not, don’t be afraid of the re-commitment or fear what the future holds.  You can trust God with your future.  Make the commitment…

You will be Blessed,

Shelia