So we’ve done our preflight checks, logged everything in the maintenance logbook, and received clearance for takeoff. Engines are humming, the runway is clear, and by all accounts, we’re ready to move forward. It feels like we’re just seconds away from launching into what God has for us.
But before we take off, let’s pause.
There’s one more crucial element we often forget to check in with: the Control Tower.
You know what I love about the word “tower”? It’s strong. It’s stable. It stands above the noise. It reminds me of that beautiful scripture in Proverbs:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” - Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
Just like in aviation, where the control tower sees more than the pilot ever could from the cockpit, God stands high above the chaos of our lives, offering clarity, direction, and protection. And yet—how often do we launch into decisions without tuning into His voice?
Who’s Really in Control?
In aviation, the control tower isn’t optional—it’s essential. No aircraft, no matter how well-equipped or experienced the pilot may be, is permitted to move without instructions from the tower. Why? Because the tower has the bigger picture. It manages not just one plane but dozens, sometimes hundreds, of aircraft. It sees the full radar: weather systems, incoming flights, runway conditions, and potential collisions.
That’s how God operates in our lives.
We may think we know the path ahead, but He sees what’s just over the horizon. He sees the delay that could protect us. He knows the intersection where we’d crash if we tried to rush through. And He sees the perfect moment when all conditions align for us to soar.
“Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” - Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
But here’s the challenge: in a world full of noise—opinions, emotions, expectations, social media, and even our own fears—how do we hear that still, small voice?
When the Cockpit Is Noisy
I don’t know about you, but sometimes my cockpit (my mind and heart) is filled with noise. Pressure to perform. Anxiety about the future. The ticking clock of deadlines and desires. And in all that noise, it’s tempting to just go with the loudest voice – the most urgent thing, the most obvious next step.
But the loudest voice isn’t always the right one.
God doesn’t usually shout over the engine noise. He waits for us to quiet down. He waits for us to tune in. And that requires intentional stillness.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
Stillness doesn’t mean inaction, it means alignment. It means choosing to slow down, to listen, and to trust that His timing and direction are better than our assumptions.
Real-Time Guidance
Here’s what’s fascinating about the control tower: it doesn’t just give one instruction and disappear. It stays with the pilot the entire time taxiing, takeoff, ascent, descent, landing. Every major decision is checked against the tower’s instructions.
That’s how our relationship with the Holy Spirit should look.
We don’t just check in with God when we’re at a crossroads—we stay connected. Through prayer. Through His Word. Through surrender. His voice isn’t just for big decisions – it’s for daily direction.
The question is, are we listening?
When the Tower Says “Hold”
Have you ever heard a pilot get a “hold” instruction? Everything looks good—the weather is fine, the aircraft is functional, and they’ve even been cleared to taxi. But suddenly, the tower tells them to hold position.
That’s the moment when frustration can rise. You’ve done everything right. You’ve prepared. You’ve waited. Why the delay?
Spiritually, we face this too.
There have been moments in my life where I felt ready. I had peace, I had plans, and even a few open doors. But something in me knew—God was saying “hold.” And I’ll be honest: I didn’t always like it. It made me feel like I wasn’t moving forward. Like I was missing out.
But every time I obeyed that gentle hold, I later saw what God was protecting me from.
Sometimes, He’s clearing unseen traffic. Sometimes, He’s adjusting your route. Other times, He’s giving someone else time to get into position so your journey will be smoother.
We only see the cockpit. He sees the entire airspace.
Learning to Tune In
So, how do we tune in to the voice of the Control Tower – God’s voice – in a noisy world?
Here are a few things that help me:
- Consistent Quiet Time
God speaks in the stillness. Make space in your day to simply be with Him, no agenda. - Scripture as Your Map
His Word is living and active. It’s not just ancient text—it’s present-day guidance. - Peace as a Compass
Not comfort, not ease—but peace. When God speaks, even in challenging seasons, there’s an unexplainable peace that accompanies it. - Counsel from Godly Voices
Pilots aren’t alone in the cockpit. And neither should we be. Seek wisdom from mature believers. - Obedience in the Small Things
Sometimes the best way to hear God in big decisions is to practice obeying Him in small ones.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Flying Solo
The cockpit may feel isolated. The journey ahead might look intimidating. But you are not alone.
There is a voice, steady, wise, and full of love, calling you to trust Him above the noise. That voice doesn’t rush. It doesn’t confuse. It doesn’t lead into fear. It leads into life, peace, and purpose.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” - John 10:27 (NIV)
So before you push forward, before you take off,check in with the Tower.
He may ask you to wait. He may reroute you. He may even say, “Not yet.”
But when He does say “Go,” you can be sure that the skies ahead are clear, and you’ll soar higher than you ever imagined.
✈️ Key Takeaways from “The Control Tower”
- God sees what you can’t. Trust His oversight.
- Stillness isn’t stagnation—it’s spiritual alignment.
- If peace is missing, pause and listen again.
- The Holy Spirit is your daily flight instructor, not a once-off consultant.
- You don’t fly solo—God is with you every step of the way.
Are you tuning into the right voice?
Before you take off, make sure you’ve heard from the Tower.
It could make all the difference in your journey.
John Thole is the voice behind Beyond Salvation, a blog that captures the highs and lows of life through faith, laughter, and honest reflection. With a passion for storytelling, technology, and spiritual growth, he creates content that resonates with seekers, believers, and anyone navigating life’s journey. Whether sharing personal insights, devotionals, or thought-provoking discussions, John aims to inspire, uplift, and spark meaningful conversations.
