One minute we are sitting on the ground.  The sky is overcast, our flight is delayed, our Atlanta connection seems threatened.  I am fighting my fear of flying and worrying about meeting the rest of our team in Atlanta and making our connection. . . which is the only flight to Guatemala for the day!  I am having visions of the other half of our team having to find a hotel in Guatemala City and wait a day for us!  I am on the edge of freaking out.  I close my eyes and ask God to help me trust Him.  I know I am powerless to get the plane to Atlanta on time.  And I've already had the panic of leaving my carry-on bag in Greensboro!  I am not rested enough, organized enough, smart enough to be taking a group to Guatemala!  I feel the weight of responsibility and my own failing/powerlessness on the front end.

    As we sit on the runway, I read the Day 1 devotion that Jeff wrote for last year's trip (which I shamelessly copied for this year's trip).  I read of the authority Jesus gave the disciples to do His kingdom work.  I read of how Jesus intentionally handicapped the disciples -- let them experience their inadequacy and vulnerability and made them dependent on God's provision. 

    And I realize the God loves stress.  Dare I say, He creates stress and drops His children in so that we might cry out to Him.  My panic paves the way for His provision.  My fear points me to His faithfulness.  My handicap illuminates His handiwork.  God wants me, wants our team, sitting in this place of weakness.

    Finally, the plane is taxiing down the runway.  We take off and penetrate the clouds.  I'm praying again, eyes closed, and suddenly the sun is warm on my face.  We're above the clouds, flying and my fears are consumed by the brightness of the sun and the freedom of being airborne.  Without speaking a word, God is giving me a sermon on what faith is.

 
Postnote:  We did make our connecting flight.  We landed in Guatemala City, endured a 3 hour busride and arrive at Eagle's Nest around 4 p.m. (6:00 eastern time).  God is good!