A study by the Boeing Airplane Company found that about 12% of Americans are afraid to fly in an airplane–afraid the airplane will have a mechanical problem during the flight or on the ground, afraid of flying during bad weather, flying at night, or flying over water. Fear is the main reason some are reluctant to fly. One expert says to overcome this phobia, a person needs to do two things: trust the plane and the people who work in aviation, and know how to control your feelings and reaction while you are flying. We learn from Deuteronomy Chapter 1 that fear kept ancient Israel from entering the Promised Land. They lost sight of God Almighty who had not only promised to give them the land but who had repeatedly demonstrated His power and compassion for them. To assure them of his presence, He placed in front of them a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Sadly, even today, some people fail to enjoy God’s presence and power because of fear. They fear losing some supposed opportunity today or fear committing themselves to a God they cannot see. Both fears are unfounded. God loves and cares deeply for us. He proved it by giving us His own Son Jesus.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
