Last updated on May 20th, 2025 at 07:54 am
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 your logbook—it shows you what’s going on in your heart.
✅ Pray before moving. Fill up before the day drains you.
✅ Ask for direction. The weather may shift, but you can fly steady if you trust the One who sees it all.
✅ Check your systems. Invite the Holy Spirit to bring alignment.
✅ Wait for His voice. Don’t rush into anything without seeking Him first.
Final Thoughts
Pre-flight checklists are not glamorous, trust me, they are tedious at times. They are routine, grounded, and sometimes slow. But they save lives. And spiritually, they ground us in truth and readiness. Don’t underestimate the power of starting your day with God.
Maybe today, before you “take off,” pause.
Open the logbook. Check your heart. Fuel up. Talk to the One who knows the skies ahead.
Because when God gives you clearance, no turbulence can stop you.
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.
