Faith

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. johnthole.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. johnthole.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

Have you ever felt like faith is a never-ending checklist? Like you need to measure up, do more, or prove yourself worthy of God’s love? I used to think that too. But then I heard a sermon that completely changed my perspective. I visited Linc Church again this past sunday and heard a life changing sermon from the preacher. It wasn’t about striving harder or earning favor – it was about learning to let God love me. The preacher shared a story that hit me deep. Imagine a little girl running from her father, scared, unsure, thinking she has to figure things out on her own. But when she falls, her father rushes toward her – not to scold, but to embrace. “I won’t let you go until you learn to let me love you,” he whispers. That’s exactly how God pursues us. Not as a judge waiting for us to fail, but as a loving Father longing to draw us close. Faith isn’t about proving ourselves to God. It’s about trusting that He already loves us beyond measure. So let’s dive into what it truly means to embrace faith and live in the freedom of His love. 1. Faith is About Trust, Not Performance For years, I thought faith meant following all the rules perfectly. Go to church. Pray enough. Read enough scripture. But faith isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about trusting God completely. Galatians 2:16 reminds us: “A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” It’s not our efforts that save us, but our belief in Him. The moment we grasp this truth, our faith becomes liberating, not burdensome. 2. God is Not Keeping Score Many of us live as though God has a giant scoreboard, tracking our wins and losses. Did I pray enough today? Did I mess up too much? But Psalm 103:12 tells us, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” God isn’t tallying our failures. He’s extending grace, waiting for us to trust in His mercy. 3. Let Go of Fear and Embrace Love Fear and faith don’t mix. When we live in fear—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being enough—we miss out on the fullness of God’s love. 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” The more we embrace His love, the less fear controls us. 4. Faith is a Relationship, Not a Religion Religion says, “Do this, and maybe God will love you.” Relationship says, “God already loves you, come closer.” In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” Notice He doesn’t say, “If you work hard enough, I’ll accept you.” No, He invites us to remain in Him—to be connected, to abide. 5. Learn to Rest in God’s Presence In a world that glorifies hustle, we often forget that faith involves rest. Not just physical rest, but resting in God’s promises. Matthew 11:28 reminds us: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” If you’re exhausted trying to be “good enough,” take a step back. Let God carry the weight. 6. God is With You in the Struggle Trusting God doesn’t mean life will be easy. It means you won’t face challenges alone. Romans 8:28 assures us: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Even in the hardest seasons, God is weaving something beautiful. 7. Faith Grows Through Surrender We often think faith means having all the answers. But real faith is saying, “God, I don’t know what’s next, but I trust You.” Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us: “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.” Faith grows when we stop trying to control everything and start surrendering to His plan. Key Takeaways Final Thoughts Faith isn’t about striving. It’s about surrendering. If you’ve been feeling like you have to earn God’s love or prove your worth, take a deep breath. Right here, right now, God is whispering, “Let me love you.” You don’t have to run. You don’t have to perform. Just rest in His presence. So, where in your life is God asking you to trust Him more? What would happen if you finally let go of the pressure and embraced His love? Faith is a journey, not a finish line. And every step we take toward Him, He meets us with open arms. If you’re looking for more ways to grow in faith, check out Desiring God or dive into scripture with Bible Gateway. Let’s walk this journey together, leaning into His grace every step of the way. Wait! before you go checkout David’s story of 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. johnthole.co.za