A Flight Like Heaven: Encountering God’s Love in the Ordinary

Flying on Christmas Eve from one coast to the other with Delta Air Lines is always an adventure; a quiet reminder that even an ordinary flight can feel a little like heaven. You never know who you will be sitting next to, what conversations might unfold, or what God might have planned in such an ordinary space as an airplane cabin.

The trip began with a surprise; I was upgraded to first class. Then came a second surprise. I realized I was surrounded on all sides by a single family. They were seated in front of me, beside me, and behind me. Ten family members, all traveling together to Hawaii for Christmas.

At the center of this group was Fred, who sat next to me, the 84-year-old patriarch of the family. He was gregarious, sharp, and incredibly intelligent. His sense of humor filled the cabin as he joked effortlessly while carrying on conversations with different family members at once. Even the flight attendant, Marcus, was drawn in. He joined the laughter, clearly enjoying the warmth and joy that seemed to radiate from this family.

What struck me immediately was Fred’s vitality. Many people assume that aging means slowing down, disengaging, or fading into the background. Fred was the opposite. He was curious, engaged, and very much alive. After a career of traveling the world training management teams, His favorite hobby was reading—mostly history—but on this flight he was reading a political satire book by John N. Kennedy, a U.S Senator currently in office, “How to Test Negative for Stupid”. He couldn’t resist sharing passages with me that he found especially funny, which inclines me to pick this book up also and read it. We talked about history, politics, life, and family with ease.

A Legacy of Love and Faith

As we talked, Fred shared that his wife had died from ovarian cancer several years earlier. That kind of loss leaves a deep ache, and adjustment never comes easily. Even so, Fred spoke with peace. His family surrounded him with constant love, and that love carried him forward. He spoke proudly of his three children, each established in their own field. One owned a business, one practiced medicine, and one worked as an architect. They all traveled together, along with their children, who were finishing school and discovering their own paths.

What stood out most was not their success, but their unity. The family showed no striving or pressure. They offered encouragement, kindness, and genuine affection. Within the first fifteen minutes, the presence of God became evident. The love felt different. It felt steady, joyful, and deeply rooted. Scripture tells us that God is love, and the Holy Spirit moved quietly through that cabin in goodness, joy, and peace.

Originally, my upgraded seat had been near the back of the cabin. That was fine with me. But then I was moved again, this time to seat 2, right in the center of the family. I couldn’t help but think: This is a God move.

God Encounter in Conversation

As our conversations continued, Fred would pause and say, “That’s exactly what my wife would have said.” After a while, he smiled and added, “It’s like sitting right next to my wife. You speak her words.” A true Christmas God encounter. I realized that while this family was a blessing to me, God was also working through me to comfort Fred—quietly reminding him that love does not end, and that those who belong to Christ are never truly separated.

About an hour into the flight, the grandchildren—who were seated in another section—came forward to join the laughter and conversation (and just check in). As they stood there talking, I noticed crosses around their necks. In that moment, my quiet wondering was confirmed. This was a Christian family.

I have known loving families who were not Christian, families built on strong values and kindness yet marked by striving instead of peace. This felt different. There was a peace, a joy, and a gentleness that comes only from walking with God. The Holy Spirit was present, not loudly or dramatically, but through the goodness, joy, and love filling that space.

God is Always at Work

He uses ordinary moments and unexpected encounters to bring comfort, encouragement, and hope. Sometimes He places us exactly where we need to be, not just for ourselves, but for someone else.

As the five-and-a-half-hour flight came to an end, I reflected on what I had witnessed. If we want to remain sharp, grounded, and full of life as we age, there is wisdom in reading, praying, staying connected to God, and raising children in His love. Scripture tells us that when we train up a child in the way they should go, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6) and I saw that truth lived out right in front of me.

I also thought of a dear friend of mine who is 95 years old, still driving, using technology with ease, taking others to church, exercising daily, and faithfully reading her Bible and actively walking out her faith in what she does for others. Now I had met Fred, an 84-year-old patriarch, leading his family with wisdom, love, and humility, and possessing more technological know-how than many people far younger than himself.

Life is full of trials. Fred shared theirs too. Following God does not remove hardship, but it does anchor us through it. When we trust Him, He works all things for good. And on this Christmas Eve, that family was on their way to Hawaii, not just to celebrate a holiday, but to enjoy the gift of being together, wrapped in love, faith, and hope.

Sometimes heaven feels closer than we expect, sometimes, even at 30,000 feet.

The righteous flourish like the palm tree… They still bear fruit in old age.” — Psalm 92:12–14 (ESV)

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When life feels heavy and help seems distant, hope can slip from view. In seasons of struggle, many people search for comfort, answers, and spiritual strength. Questions like “Why does God allow suffering?” or “Where do I find hope in hard times?” rise from a deep desire for God’s presence. Yet God meets people in their pain, gives strength for today, and holds promise for tomorrow. Scripture says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Hope grows when the heart turns back toward Him. God does not step away when life shakes. He stays close, even when emotions say otherwise. His Word assures believers that He “will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). His presence brings calm when fear rises and offers peace when confusion spreads. Jesus said, “My peace I give you… Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27).

Hard moments often reveal what easy moments hide. Pressure exposes weakness, but it also reveals God’s strength. He carries burdens people cannot lift and guides steps they cannot see. His promise remains clear: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). He uses trials to build endurance, deepen trust, and grow a faith that stands firm. As people yield their pain to Him, they discover that hope does not depend on circumstances. Hope rests in His character.

Stories of faith show this truth again and again. God restores broken places, rebuilds shaken lives, and redirects paths with grace. He works in silence as much as in miracles. He heals slowly at times and suddenly at others, yet His care remains steady. Scripture reminds believers that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Each testimony proves that darkness cannot silence God’s promise and sorrow cannot erase His goodness.

Jesus offers hope that reaches beyond the moment. He knows the weight of grief, the sting of betrayal, and the ache of loneliness. Yet He overcame every battle, and He walks with those who trust Him. He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He speaks peace into storms and courage into weary hearts. He strengthens people who feel too weak to continue and holds those who feel forgotten.

So when hope feels distant, lift your eyes again. God stands near. He listens. God sees. He stays. His promise remains steady: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Hope rises when hearts rest in that truth. Whatever struggle you face, His hands hold you. His strength carries you. His love surrounds you. And His purpose, even in pain, always leads toward restoration.

If you need more stories of faith and hope, God’s Hope is here for you. You are not alone, and God’s presence remains enough for every step you take.

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Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Scripture: Why Discernment Matters

Not every Bible passage is a command to follow. When we read the Bible, it’s important to recognize that not every passage is telling us what to do. Some parts of Scripture are descriptive—they tell us what happened in a particular moment. Others are prescriptive, giving us instruction for how to live.

The book of Job is a powerful example of this. Job’s statements about his own righteousness aren’t commands for us to imitate; they’re part of a larger conversation where he is responding to friends who wrongly accuse him of sin. His friends insisted that Job must have done something terrible to deserve such suffering, but they were speaking from human reasoning, not from God.

Job’s story reveals something deeper: his suffering was not punishment. Scripture shows that Satan went before the throne of God and asked for permission to test Job, hoping to prove that Job would curse God and turn away (even his wife said “curse God and die-which he rejected). But God allowed the test—not to destroy him, but to reveal the strength of his faith and ultimately bless him. In the end, Job came through the trial refined, restored, and twice as blessed as before. His story reminds us that God remains sovereign and in control, even when we cannot see the purpose behind our pain. What looks like loss may be the very place where God is preparing increase.

As I’ve listened to solid Bible teaching and dug deeper into Scripture, I’ve begun to see the Bible as a unified story—from Genesis to Revelation—pointing to Jesus in every book. Through that journey comes a clearer understanding of God’s command to have no other gods before Him and to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. But it’s more than simply following commands; it’s learning to live with joy and love in every circumstance, even in the challenges we or our loved ones face.

Discerning the Right Spirit — Not Every Voice That Sounds “Religious” Is From God

Job’s friends claimed that “a spirit” revealed to them that Job was at fault (Job 4:12–16). Eliphaz describes a moment when a spirit passed before him and the hair on his body stood up. But the message he delivered was not from God. It sounded spiritual, yet it did not reflect God’s heart or truth. It was the enemy’s voice—misleading, accusing, and ultimately used against Job.

This is a warning for us today:
Not every voice, impression, dream, or “spiritual insight” comes from the Holy Spirit.

The New Testament gives us another clear example. In Acts 19, the sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons “by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” They used spiritual language, but they had no relationship with God and no authority. The evil spirit attacked them and overpowered them. Their story shows that misidentifying the source of a spirit can lead to destruction.

This is why discernment is essential.

Only by studying the Word, knowing God’s character, and listening for His voice can we recognize which spirit is speaking. The Holy Spirit always leads into truth, peace, conviction, and alignment with Scripture. Any voice that contradicts God’s Word, produces confusion, or accuses without hope is not from Him.

When we know the Word, we learn to recognize the Shepherd’s voice—and reject every false one.

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 When Life Gets Tough: Hope the Holds

Life has a way of pressing in on us. Some days the weight feels heavier than others: unexpected news, long seasons of waiting, disappointments that stack up, or the quiet ache of feeling alone in the struggle. But even in those moments, hope is not lost. Scripture reminds us again and again that God meets us right where we are, offering strength for today and courage for tomorrow.

Hope isn’t pretending everything is fine. Hope is choosing to believe that God is still working, still loving, still leading, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.

 Hope That Looks Forward

The Bible continually points us toward a future shaped by God’s faithfulness.

• “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
• “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)

These verses don’t promise an easy life. They promise a faithful God.

 Hope That Loves Deeply

When life gets tough, our instinct can be to pull back. But Scripture calls us to lean in, to love one another, to carry each other’s burdens, to be living reminders of God’s compassion.

• “Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)
• “Encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Hope grows when it’s shared.

Hope That Stays Through the Storm

God never asks us to walk through hardship alone. His presence is steady, even when our emotions are not.

• “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” (Psalm 34:18)
• “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

These promises anchor us when everything else feels unsteady.

 A Closing Word of Encouragement

No matter what someone is facing today: fear, loss, exhaustion, or uncertainty. God’s hope is not fragile. It doesn’t crack under pressure. It doesn’t disappear in the dark. It holds.

And as we look ahead, we can choose to love one another with the same grace God pours out on us. That kind of love becomes a lighthouse for weary hearts.

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Stepping Into Your Promised Land

Why Looking Back Keeps You from Moving Forward

The story of Israel standing on the edge of the Promised Land is more than ancient history; it is a mirror. It reveals what happens when God calls His people forward, yet fear keeps them anchored to what He already delivered them from.

Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt through signs, wonders, and the unmistakable hand of God. However, when it came time to enter the land God promised, the first generation refused. They feared the giants and longed for Egypt. They told God, “NO” they wanted to go back as they reminisced, falsely at how good it was. God granted their request not to go forward. As a result, they died in the wilderness.

Keep in mind: Moving forward requires faith.
Numbers 14:23 — Those who rejected God’s promise would not see the land He swore to give them.

God’s message still stands today: do not die in the wilderness. Look forward to God’s promises and step into the land He prepared for you.

Scripture also gives a direct warning about looking back:
Luke 9:62 — No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

The Danger of Looking Back

Israel remembered the food, the routines, and the false security of slavery. They forgot the cruelty, the bondage, and the desperate prayers they cried for deliverance. When they saw giants in the land, fear silenced faith.

“But the people who live there are powerful… We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes.” — Numbers 13:28, 33

God had already declared victory. Yet the people trusted fear more than His promise.

A New Generation With a New Spirit

The next generation lived differently. They grew up in the wilderness and learned daily dependence on God. Egypt held no attraction for them. God alone became their focus.

When leadership passed to Joshua, God spoke words that still echo today of hope:
“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

This generation crossed the Jordan River.
They faced the giants.
This generation believed God more than fear.

Because they trusted the one true God, He fought for them. They conquered what stood before them. They entered the promise because they refused to return to the past.

Your Promised Land Requires Forward Faith

Everyone has a Promised Land, if you believe. God calls His people into new territory, such as:

• A new season
• A new job
• A new calling
• A new level of healing
• A new ministry
• A new identity in Christ

The principle remains unchanged. No one can walk into God’s future while clinging to the Egypt He delivered them from.

Egypt represents old habits, old fears, old identities, old wounds, and old ways of thinking.

Giants still appear today. They show up as insecurity, doubt, fear, comparison, or impossibility. Giants do not determine the outcome. God does.

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” — Exodus 14:14

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” — Romans 8:31

Giants are real. However, you must stop staring at them and focus on the power of God who goes before them.

Forward Faith: The Only Way Into the Promise

The difference between the generation that died in the wilderness and the one that entered the land was not strength, strategy, or skill.

The difference was belief.

The first generation believed the giants.
The second generation believed God.

Every future hinges on the same decision.

Will faith define the path forward, or will fear set the limits?

Crossing Your Jordan Today

God parted the Jordan River, allowing Israel to cross on dry ground under Joshua’s leadership. This moment marked a public declaration of God’s power and faithfulness before the nations.

“You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance.” — Deuteronomy 1:6–7

God still calls His people forward. He still leads them into promise. He still invites them to move.

Victory does not come from staring at giants. Victory comes from trusting the God who already declared the land yours.

So take the step.
Lift your eyes.
Move forward.
Believe again.
Trust again.
Walk again.

The Promised Land is not behind you. It lies ahead.

Talk with God. Read His Scriptures. Stand on His promises.

The same God who parted the sea, fed His people in the wilderness, and carried them through every valley will also lead them into victory.

Bible Project video that helps explain the wilderness

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