Faith

In our Faith in Flight blog series, we’ve explored how walking with God often mirrors the journey of flight—from pre-flight checks and takeoff clearance to trusting your instruments and navigating turbulence. But what sustains us throughout the entire journey? Faith. Faith is the fuel that keeps us airborne, especially when the skies get dark or the journey feels uncertain. The Bible is filled with powerful verses about faith—each one a compass pointing us back to trust in God. Below are some of the most impactful Bible verses about faith, each with the full Scripture and reflections to help you go deeper. Whether you’re grounded in preparation or mid-flight through a storm, these verses are for you. 1. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” This verse gives us the most direct definition of faith found in Scripture. It’s not just believing that God exists; it’s trusting His promises, even when our eyes can’t yet see the outcome. In aviation terms, this is like flying through clouds with full reliance on your instruments. You may not see the runway, but you know it’s there—because you trust the system, and more importantly, the One who built it. Reflection: Faith is not a feeling—it’s a choice to believe that God’s Word is true, even when your circumstances say otherwise. 2. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Life with God requires spiritual IFR—Instrument Flight Rules. Like a pilot trusting gauges when visibility drops, we must choose to follow God’s guidance, even when things don’t make sense. Walking by faith means we take the next step, not because it looks safe, but because we trust the One leading us. Reflection: What area of your life requires blind trust in God right now? Ask Him for the courage to walk by faith—not sight. 3. James 1:3 (NIV) “Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Faith is like a muscle, it strengthens through testing. Trials, delays, and disappointments don’t mean God has left you. Often, He’s using them to deepen your faith. Every bit of turbulence is an opportunity to grow in endurance and maturity. Reflection: Think back on a time your faith was tested. How did that experience shape you spiritually? 4. Romans 10:17 (NIV) “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” This verse reminds us that faith is not self-generated—it’s a response to the truth we receive. To build stronger faith, we must spend time in the Word. In our Faith in Flight analogy, this is your maintenance logbook, regular, intentional time with Scripture to ensure your spiritual systems are functioning. Reflection: Are you tuning in daily to the voice of God through His Word? The more you read, the more you’ll trust. 5. Mark 11:22–24 (NIV) “‘Have faith in God,’ Jesus answered. ‘Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” Jesus shows us the boldness of faith. Not because we manipulate God into doing what we want – but because we believe He’s good, powerful, and able to move mountains on our behalf. Reflection: Faith-filled prayer isn’t wishful thinking, it’s confident trust in a faithful God. 6. Ephesians 6:16 (NIV) “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” In our recent post Trusting Your Instruments, we talked about the full armour of God. The shield of faith is one of your key instruments in battle. It protects you from lies, fear, and spiritual attack. But just like cockpit instruments, your shield must be regularly maintained through prayer, the Word, and time in God’s presence. Reflection: Is your shield of faith strong – or cracked? Ask God to strengthen it today. 7. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse is a spiritual autopilot setting: trust and submit. Even when logic says one thing, faith reminds us that God sees the full flight plan. When we stop relying on our own understanding, we make room for God’s direction. Reflection: Surrender isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. Let go of the need to know everything, and let God lead. 8. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Faith is what lifts us above the weight of life. It helps us rise—even when everything says we should be grounded. God doesn’t just want us to survive, He wants us to soar. Reflection: Are you running on your own strength or God’s? Wait on Him. Your wings will return. Final Thoughts – Your Faith Journey In our Faith in Flight series, we’ve looked at everything from preflight checks to declaring a mayday. But whether you’re in the air or still on the tarmac, the journey runs on faith. These verses are not just inspirational—they are spiritual instruments, tools to help you stay the course when visibility is low and emotions run high. Don’t just read them—meditate on them. Write them down. Pray them out loud. Declare them over your situation. Faith comes by hearing—and grows through practice. You are not flying solo. God is your Pilot, the Word is your map, and these verses are your instruments. ✈️ Keep Flying by Faith Want to explore more? Check out our ongoing Faith in Flight series and learn

You’ve done your pre-flight checks. You’ve examined your heart and logged everything in the maintenance book. You waited for clearance from the control tower, and finally, the wheels left the ground. You’re in the air now, this is it. You obeyed God, stepped out in faith, and started the journey. But what’s that? A sudden jolt. The seatbelt sign flashes on. The plane shakes a little more than you’d like. Turbulence. And just like in flight, life has its own form of turbulence. When Faith Meets Resistance Nobody likes turbulence. It’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and sometimes downright scary. But here’s what every seasoned pilot knows: turbulence is not a sign that something is wrong – it’s simply part of flying. We often believe that if we’re truly following God, everything should go smoothly. But that’s not what Scripture teaches, and that’s not what experience confirms. In fact, turbulence often comes after obedience. – not before. Think about it: Jesus told the disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35) That wasn’t a casual suggestion, it was a clear command. Yet, a violent storm hit them mid-journey. They were exactly where they were supposed to be – and still faced a terrifying storm. Why? Because faith doesn’t exempt us from storms. It carries us through them. What Turbulence Feels Like Spiritually That’s spiritual turbulence. And like physical turbulence, it often arrives without warning. But just like on a plane, we must resist the urge to panic. The plane isn’t falling apart. It’s pressing through a disturbance—and so are you. Why God Allows Turbulence How Pilots Respond to Turbulence Good pilots don’t panic. They: We’re called to do the same spiritually: Your Bible Is Your Instrument Panel When turbulence hits, don’t throw out the manual—lean into it. “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 You can’t always see the storm’s end. But His Word keeps you from crashing into panic or hopelessness. And remember, the control tower (God) sees everything. He sees the winds, the traffic, the mountains ahead. He knows when to climb, when to descend, when to wait. That’s why pilots trust the tower—and we must trust God all the more. Biblical Examples of Turbulence in Obedience Turbulence doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong place. Sometimes, it’s proof you’re on the right path. Turbulence Is Temporary No flight experiences turbulence forever. Eventually, it smooths out. The skies open up. The ride steadies. So will your journey. “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5 “Though I walk through the valley… I will fear no evil.” – Psalm 23:4 (Note: it’s a valley you walk through—not live in.) Key Takeaways from “In the Air” ✈️ Turbulence is not failure—it’s part of the flight. ✈️ Obedience to God doesn’t guarantee ease, but it does guarantee His presence. ✈️ When faith is shaken, anchor yourself in truth—not emotion. ✈️ Don’t jump ship. Don’t panic. Hold on to God’s promises. ✈️ The control tower still has eyes on your journey – even in the storm. Final Thoughts Maybe you’re flying through some spiritual turbulence right now. Things aren’t going as expected. You’re starting to question whether you even heard God right. Let me encourage you: Don’t jump out mid-flight. Don’t abandon what God called you to just because things got bumpy. This is part of the journey. You’re not crashing, you’re growing. The shaking isn’t a sign to stop, it’s a reminder to trust. The God who called you is the same God who will carry you. So sit tight. Keep your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith. He’s got this. And when the skies clear again and they will, you’ll look back and realise: the turbulence taught you to trust Him like never before. Are you flying through turbulence right now? Remember: He’s still in control. John TholeJohn 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. beyondsalvation.co.za

Not all flights happen in the perfect weather, sometimes the visibility is below 800 metres and the planes still take off. The last flight i took departed in low visibility. Looking out, you could see nothing but the clouds. The sky grows murky, the way ahead is unclear, and the cockpit windows show nothing but cloud. In that moment, the only hope is the instruments. Trained hands reach for the altimeter, attitude indicator, heading, and compass—not because the pilot feels confident, but because they trust what the instruments say. This is flying by faith. But here’s the thing: those instruments don’t just work automatically forever. They require regular maintenance. They must be checked in the pre-flight inspection. And even then, they aren’t enough on their own. Without connection to the control tower, even the best-maintained instruments can still lead you astray. Calibrated Faith – Maintaining Your Instruments We’ve talked before about the maintenance logbook—the spiritual habit of regularly examining our hearts and recording what God is doing (see The Maintenance Logbook: A Christian’s Guide to Self-Examination). Just like aircraft instruments, our spiritual tools need to be kept in working order. They don’t fix themselves. Neglected instruments can display false readings. A neglected heart can lead to misjudged decisions. Paul urges us in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” Our faith must be maintained, not assumed. Pre-Flight Checks – Before You Fly Before every flight, pilots conduct a full walkaround and system check. Nothing is left to chance. Even if the aircraft flew fine yesterday, today’s flight needs fresh confirmation. The same goes for our spiritual life. Each day demands a fresh alignment. We can’t rely on yesterday’s prayer or last week’s Word. Pre-flight checks might seem repetitive, but they prevent disaster. Our spiritual disciplines—prayer, Scripture, worship, confession—aren’t religious routines. They’re safety checks for the soul. The Instruments Aren’t Enough Without the Tower Even the most skilled pilot with perfectly functioning instruments can drift off course without guidance from the control tower. The control tower has a wider perspective. It sees weather patterns, other aircraft, delays, and dangers. It provides clearance and coordinates safe landings. As believers, God is our control tower. We may know Scripture, have spiritual disciplines, and be “instrument-rated,” but if we aren’t listening for His voice, we’ll make decisions in isolation. “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6 The Full Armour – Our Spiritual Instrument Panel In Ephesians 6:10–18, Paul outlines the full armour of God. Each piece is part of our spiritual instrument panel: These are not just metaphors—they are the instruments God gives us to navigate spiritual skies. But notice what Paul says right after listing them: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…” (Ephesians 6:18) Even with the full armour, we’re told to stay in contact with the control tower—through prayer. Flying by Faith Means Trusting What’s True When the spiritual skies get cloudy and your feelings go haywire, that’s not the time to panic—it’s the time to trust what’s true. Because even the most well-equipped plane needs direction. What’s in the Cockpit? In every cockpit, pilots rely on several essential instruments and controls to stay safe and on course—especially when visibility is limited or when navigating through turbulence. Here’s what some of those tools are and how they connect to our spiritual walk: Each of these tools has its purpose—but even together, they are not enough without communication from the Control Tower. That’s God. All the instruments help us navigate, but they don’t replace the Voice that sees the whole picture. As skilled as we may be, and as equipped as we feel, we still need to listen for His command. Final Approach Faith isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being anchored. When emotions blur your sight, when doubt creeps in, and when you’re spiritually disoriented, your survival depends on whether you trust your instruments—and the Voice guiding you. Don’t just trust your feelings.Don’t just rely on routines.Trust God’s Word. Trust His Spirit. Stay connected to the Tower. And remember: “Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105 You might not see the full runway. But God does. Fly by faith. John TholeJohn 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. beyondsalvation.co.za

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: 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” 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 TholeJohn 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. beyondsalvation.co.za

I recently watched a documentary that showed how every pilot must check the maintenance logbook before taking off. It’s not just protocol. – it’s life or death. Even the most experienced pilot won’t risk flying a plane that hasn’t been cleared for takeoff. As I watched, I couldn’t help but ask myself: Do I check my own “spiritual logbook” as a christian before I face the day? This post is part of our Faith in Flight series, where we explore the lessons we can learn from aviation and how they apply to our daily Christian walk. Today, we’ll look at why self-examination is essential – not just once in a while, but as a regular rhythm of life. Lesson 1: The Logbook Tells the Truth A pilot doesn’t rely on how the plane “feels”—they rely on facts. The logbook records every issue, fix, inspection, and test. It shows what’s been dealt with and what still needs attention. Lamentations 3:40 “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” What this means for us:Your spiritual condition isn’t based on how you feel. It’s based on truth. A heart check in prayer, honest journaling, and holding up your life to Scripture will show what still needs healing, repentance, or realignment. Lesson 2: Neglected Issues Become Hazards One overlooked mechanical fault can lead to a disaster in the air. That’s why nothing is too small to record in the logbook. Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” What this means for us:A small compromise today can become a major spiritual crash tomorrow. Bitterness, jealousy, unchecked pride—these things pile up if we don’t let God deal with them. Nothing is too small for Him to fix. Lesson 3: The Inspection Requires a Trained Eye Pilots and mechanics don’t skim the logbook—they study it. They’re trained to spot danger where others may not. 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…” What this means for us:Sometimes we’re too close to our situation to see clearly. That’s why it’s wise to invite trusted believers into our lives—mentors, pastors, friends—who can help us see what we might overlook. Lesson 4: Cleared for Takeoff After the logbook is reviewed and the plane is cleared, the pilot moves forward confidently. Not because the plane is perfect, but because it’s been maintained, checked, and deemed ready. Romans 8:1 — “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” What this means for us:Once we’ve confessed, repented, and been restored, we can walk boldly into the day. Not in our own strength—but in grace, covered and cleared by the blood of Jesus. Key Takeaways: Final Thoughts: You wouldn’t want to be on a flight where no one checked the engine. So why rush into your day without checking your heart? God isn’t waiting to condemn you—He’s inviting you to take care of your soul so you can fly in freedom and purpose. Before takeoff tomorrow, take time to check your logbook. It might just save your day—or your life. John TholeJohn 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. beyondsalvation.co.za

As we continue with our Faith in Flight series, we want to look at Pre-flight Checklists. Before a plane leaves the ground, there’s a process every pilot follows. It’s called a pre-flight checklists. These are consistent, structured routines to make sure everything is in place before takeoff. Fuel levels? Check. Instruments? Check. Control surfaces? Check. And one of the most important things? The maintenance logbook. This logbook tells the story of the aircraft – its repairs, its issues, what’s been fixed, and what still needs attention. No pilot would dare skip this step. Why? Because the sky is no place to realise you missed something important on the ground. The Logbook determines whether or not the plane will reach its final destination. As Christians, we need our own version of pre-flight checklists – not because God needs us to tick boxes, but because we need to be intentional about how we begin the day and how we walk with God. Too many of us take off spiritually without checking in with the One who sustains our flight. 1. Check the Logbook Think of your Bible like the maintenance logbook. This could also be a prayer journal, a diary or just a normal journal. It is different for everyone but i believe it is important like an airplane logbook. This will show you what you prayed for, what God delivered you from, your triggers and temptations, God’s faithfulness etc. It tells us what’s been done for us (salvation), what needs attention (our hearts), and what to watch for on the journey ahead. Before we move, we must listen. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 Pilots don’t assume the plane is fine, they confirm it. In the same way, don’t assume your heart is okay. Open Scripture and let the Holy Spirit search you. Look at the plane’s (yourself) past maintenance. 2. Fuel Up No plane can fly without fuel. Likewise, we can’t go far without prayer and worship. Sometimes we rush out the door and wonder why we’re spiritually drained by lunchtime. The truth is, we skipped the fuel stop. Every plane type has its on fuel specifications but one thing all planes that take off is, they take extra fuel in terms of an emergency. Like wish we have to come boldly to the throne of grace so that we might receive mercy for our times of need. “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” – Isaiah 40:31 Waiting doesn’t mean doing nothing, it means refuelling in His presence. If you’re empty, don’t push through, pause and refill. Life has so many demands, without refuelling not only can we crash and burn but we might not reach our destination. 3. Listen to the Weather Report Pilots check the weather to know what to expect. Not everything can be controlled, but preparation makes all the difference. For us, this looks like asking God to prepare us for what lies ahead, good or bad. Before making any decision big or small, look at the consequences of that choice. Pilots look not only on the depart airport weather report but of their destination and alternate destination incase they can’t land where they want to. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 Your outlook changes when you know God is in control of the forecast. We should stride to learn to trust God with all our hearts because the weather changes often and without warning. 1 quick win i can give you if you don’t remember anything else i have talked about is Psalms 34: 5. If you look up to him, you will never be ashamed. “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” – Psalms 34: 5. 4. Run a Systems Check Pilots check all systems – communication, navigation, hydraulics. If something’s not working, it needs to be addressed before the flight. In our lives, we need to pause and ask: What’s going on in my spirit? Am I harbouring unforgiveness, anger, betterness, jealousy etc? Am I relying too much on my own strength? “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” – Psalm 139:23 It’s not about guilt, it’s about spiritual awareness. Surrender any areas of weakness to the manufacturer so he can work on it. 5. Get Clearance from the Tower Before taking off, the pilot must receive clearance from air traffic control. It’s not optional. They must wait until it’s safe to go. We too must learn to wait on God’s timing. One of the worst aviation disasters of all time was happened at Tenrife Airport. It happened because of the planes decided to take off without proper clearance from the tower and it claim the lives of 583 innocent souls. Trust the casualties of people who did things with God’s approval or his timing is even higher – i can not count it. Do not become a casualty. My goal is not to scare you but we leave in a scary world – a world without God where anything can happen. Stay under God’s protection and walk in his will and timing. “In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6 Sometimes God says, “Not yet.” And that’s not a delay, it’s protection. Trust his timing, he knows the plans he have for you. Plans to give you a future and an expected end. “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” – Psalm 4:8 Key Takeaways for Your Daily Walk: ✅ Don’t skip the Word. That’s

Terrain Ahead! Pull Up!, was the last message most pilots who have been victims of a fatal plane crashes heard in their final moments. When i heard it for the first time, i could certainly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit telling me the same thing in most of the situations i find myself. I thank God for his mercy. It is because of his mercy that i (we) are not consumed. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 I’ve always had a deep interest in the aviation industry. From the way planes are prepared before takeoff to how pilots handle emergency situations mid-air every detail has a purpose. Over the years, I’ve found myself drawn not just to the visuals of flight, but to the deeper meaning hidden beneath all the checklists, procedures, and precision. The more I watched, the more I realised: the aviation industry has a lot to teach us about walking with God. This isn’t about criticising, romanticising flight or turning everything into a metaphor. It’s simply about paying attention to what God might be saying, even through something as ordinary as an aircraft taking off. There’s wisdom in everything if you’re paying attention. Faith in Flight: Lessons I learned from the Aviation Industry So I’m launching a new series: Faith in Flight a collection of lessons we can learn from the aviation world and apply to everyday Christian life. “Our struggles in this world are similar, and the lessons to overcome those struggles and to move forward — changing ourselves and changing the world around us — will apply equally to all.” – Admiral William H. McRaven Just think about it. Before a plane takes off, it goes through thorough checks – fuel levels, engine systems, weather conditions. How often do we take that kind of time to prepare our hearts before making a big decision? Or when a pilot flies through a storm and visibility is zero, they don’t rely on what they see, they trust their instruments. What if we did the same with God’s Word? In this series, we’ll look at how faith and flight intersect in ways that might surprise you. It’s not technical or academic. It’s real. These are reflections from someone who enjoys aviation content and believes God can use even that to speak to us. Here’s what’s coming: Pre-Flight Checks Why spiritual preparation is non-negotiable before any journey Trust the Instruments What it really means to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Mayday Moments Why it’s okay and necessary to cry out for help Aviate, Navigate, Communicate How to handle emergencies and unexpected situations the correct way. Autopilot Caution The danger of drifting spiritually when life seems comfortable Holding Patterns Learning to wait when God hasn’t cleared you for landing yet Final Approach Finishing strong and touching down where God intended all along (2 Timothy 4:7) You don’t need to know anything about planes to follow along. Each post will break things down into simple reflections, Scripture-based encouragement, and practical takeaways. I won’t pretend to have it all figured out. I’m just someone learning to trust the process, even when the sky looks uncertain. My prayer is that this series helps you pay closer attention to your own spiritual altitude. That it encourages you to slow down, do the checks, call out to God when needed, and keep pressing forward until you reach your final destination fully surrendered to His plan. So if you’ve been in a season of waiting, or you’ve hit unexpected turbulence, or maybe you’re just trying to figure out what’s next—I hope you’ll find something here that meets you right where you are. Because no matter how complex life feels, we serve a God who knows every detail. And with Him, you’re never flying blind. Let’s get ready for takeoff. John TholeJohn 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. beyondsalvation.co.za

Faith is at the core of our Christian journey. It’s what keeps us anchored in life’s storms and hopeful in uncertain times. But let’s be honest—sometimes our faith wavers. We doubt, we question, and we struggle to trust God completely. That’s why we need the Word of God to remind us of His promises, His faithfulness, and His unwavering presence in our lives. If you’re looking for encouragement, here are 21 powerful Bible verses about faith that will strengthen your spirit and help you trust in God more deeply. Bible Verses About Faith in Difficult Times Life isn’t always smooth sailing. Challenges come, but faith reminds us that God is always in control. 1. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 💡 Application: No matter how hard life gets, God promises to strengthen and uphold you. Rest in His presence and trust that He is walking with you. 2. Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” 💡 Application: When everything around you feels unstable, hold on to God—He is your unshakable foundation. Faith to Overcome Fear Fear can paralyze us, but faith gives us the courage to move forward, knowing that God is with us. 3. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” 💡 Application: Fear is not from God. Whenever fear creeps in, declare this verse and remind yourself that His Spirit gives you boldness. 4. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 💡 Application: When you feel unqualified or unsure, remember that God’s presence is enough. Move forward in faith. Faith in God’s Promises Faith reminds us that God is a promise-keeper. His Word never fails. 5. Numbers 23:19 (NIV) “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” 💡 Application: Trust that whatever God has promised you will come to pass. His word is true. 6. Hebrews 10:23 (NIV) “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” 💡 Application: Even when things take longer than expected, hold on to God’s promises—He is faithful. Faith That Moves Mountains Faith isn’t just about belief—it’s about action. When we trust God completely, we see miracles happen. 7. Matthew 17:20 (NIV) “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 💡 Application: Even a little faith can bring big results. Take small steps forward and watch what God does. 8. Mark 11:24 (NIV) “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” 💡 Application: Pray with confidence. Trust that God hears you and will respond according to His perfect will. Faith and Trust in God’s Plan Faith isn’t just believing for the good; it’s trusting God even when things don’t go as planned. 9. Romans 8:28 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 💡 Application: Even your setbacks serve a purpose. Trust that God is working behind the scenes for your good. 10. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” 💡 Application: Stop trying to figure everything out on your own. Trust God to guide your steps. Faith Through Trials Faith is tested in the fire of trials, but it is also refined and strengthened in those moments. 11. James 1:2-3 (NIV) “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” 💡 Application: Trials are not punishments—they are opportunities for growth. Trust God in the process. 12. 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 💡 Application: Whatever is burdening you, give it to God. He cares deeply about your struggles. Living by Faith Faith is not a one-time decision—it’s a lifestyle. 13. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 💡 Application: Don’t rely on what you see—trust that God is leading you. 14. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 💡 Application: Faith is believing before you see results. Keep trusting, even when you don’t have all the answers. Key Takeaways ✅ Faith is trusting God in every season—the good, the bad, and the unknown.✅ God’s promises never fail—even when they take time.✅ Faith is active—it moves mountains, overcomes fear, and grows stronger in trials.✅ Your faith impacts others—your trust in God can inspire those around you. Conclusion Faith is what keeps us going when life gets tough. It is the foundation of our walk with God, the key to overcoming fear, and the assurance that He is in control. If you’re struggling with doubt, go back to these verses. Meditate on them, pray over them, and let them sink into your heart. Which of these verses spoke to you the most? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this helpful, share it with someone who