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.
- Am I walking in truth today?
- Is my heart aligned with God’s will?
- Is there any sin or pride clouding my spiritual vision?
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:
- The Belt of Truth – Aligns us with reality.
- The Breastplate of Righteousness – Guards our heart.
- Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Direct our steps.
- Shield of Faith – Deflects incoming lies.
- Helmet of Salvation – Secures our identity.
- Sword of the Spirit – Gives us truth to act with.
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.
- Maintenance: Keep your instruments calibrated through regular self-examination and confession.
- Pre-flight: Begin each day by checking your heart and intentions against God’s Word.
- Tower Communication: Stay tuned to God’s voice through prayer and dependence.
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:
- Altimeter – Measures how high you are flying. Spiritually, it reminds us to check: how close are we walking with God? Are we cruising in faith or sinking in fear?
- Attitude Indicator – Shows the aircraft’s position relative to the horizon. It helps pilots know whether the nose is up or down. Spiritually, this reflects our heart posture—are we living humbly before God or leaning on our own understanding?
- Heading Indicator – Indicates your current direction. Just like how God’s Word and the Holy Spirit help us stay on the right path, especially when our natural senses feel disoriented.
- Airspeed Indicator – Tells you how fast you’re going. A warning for us spiritually to not rush ahead of God’s timing or drag our feet in disobedience.
- Turn Coordinator – Helps ensure smooth, balanced turns. Without it, a pilot might overcorrect or spiral. Spiritually, this points to walking in wisdom, not reacting emotionally but responding prayerfully.
- Flight Director – Provides visual guidance cues for the desired flight path. Think of this like the Holy Spirit, who doesn’t just correct you—He leads you, guiding you through the fog with clarity and peace.
- Flaps – Extend or retract to provide more lift or drag, especially during takeoff and landing. Spiritually, flaps represent adaptability—sometimes God calls us to extend grace, slow down, or lift others when the terrain changes.
- Thrust Controls – Adjust the engine power to move the aircraft forward. In our lives, this is like spiritual momentum. Prayer, worship, and God’s Word fuel us for the journey—but without direction, thrust alone isn’t safe.
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 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.
