In A Holding Pattern

James 1:2-3 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (NIV)

While flying from the south, there was severe fog that held up the aircraft from approaching Atlanta, Georgia, one of the busiest terminals in the United States.

After some time circling in the air, we began our approach. The only hope of our catching the connecting flight was that it had been held up also.

Many times we find we are delayed, and are in a "holding pattern". This pattern can cause a lot of anxiety, along with uncertainty. Often we simply lose control of whatever it is.

For some, it is the sudden loss of a job, with the anxiety and the uncertainty of trying to find another. Day after day, we seem to be in a holding pattern as we keep looking for something to come up in the job field, so that we might get on with life. The comfort we once knew in receiving a weekly paycheque has become a hopeless loss, something like missing our connecting flight. It is a situation where we ask, "What can we do? How long will it be? Where can we stay?"

Waiting for our "connecting flight", so to speak, we have to put up with time on our hands, and the uncomfortable place that we have been put into, and pray that it won't be too long until we are once more on our regular route to our final destination.

The route to our final destination will take as long as God determines. The time between is our holding pattern. We are called to trust in God in a time of loss, as sometimes it is a time for change.

Prayer: Almighty God, in our journey through life, teach each one of us to remain in Your trust. Help us to know that it is in and through You that we will arrive where and when You wish us to be. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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