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
- You took the job you felt God led you to—and now your workplace is a battlefield.
- You started the ministry or business—and the resources are tighter than ever.
- You said yes to God – but now doors seem to close, people withdraw, and doubt creeps in.
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
- To Test What We Really Believe It’s easy to say “I trust God” when everything is going well. But turbulence reveals where our faith is anchored. Do we trust God only when skies are clear?
- To Build Spiritual Muscles Smooth flights don’t develop strong pilots. Similarly, smooth seasons rarely produce deep faith. James 1:3 reminds us: “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:3 (NIV)
- To Remind Us Who’s in Control When turbulence hits, we realise how little we can control. That’s where surrender becomes real. And God reminds us that He’s still at the controls.
How Pilots Respond to Turbulence
Good pilots don’t panic. They:
- Stay calm.
- Rely on their instruments, not instincts.
- Listen to the tower and trust the radar they can’t see.
- Adjust altitude or speed, but never abandon the flight.
We’re called to do the same spiritually:
- Stay calm by praying and breathing in God’s Word.
- Rely on Scripture more than your feelings.
- Listen for God’s voice—through His Word, through wise counsel, through peace.
- Adjust where needed—but stay the course.
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
- Paul followed God’s calling—and ended up shipwrecked, imprisoned, beaten.
- Joseph obeyed God’s dream—and was sold, falsely accused, and forgotten.
- Jesus obeyed the Father completely—and still faced the Cross.
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 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.
