Flight 1731, boarding in Knoxville, quickly filled with passengers and their belongings. The gentleman in my aisle seat row commented, “Sure would be nice if this seat between us stayed empty.” Not very expectant I said, “By the looks of the crowd, it’s not looking good.” Then I got that hopeful divine nudge and continued, “But I will hope with you.”
Not a minute later, a pleasant lady plopped down between us. We chatted for a moment and then the 3 of us hushed as our attention was diverted to the couple and young child walking down the aisle. The very large man defiantly saying to the woman with him, “What are we doing here? Where are we going? I don’t want to do this?” She quietly urged him on and they seated themselves directly behind us.
With some alarm, the 3 of us looked at one another as the large man continued to complain and press up against our seats.
Again, I got that divine nudge. “Are you spiritual?” I asked the lady beside me. “Yes”, she said. “Are you a Christian?” “Yes”, she replied. I took a deep prayerful breath and asked, “Would you be willing to pray with me that God would intervene with his powerful peace and resolve this troubling situation?” Immediately she said yes and we declared that very prayer together.
A minute later, 2 flight attendants quietly asked the couple behind us to leave the plane. Without an objection, they peacefully rose out of their seats and left the plane.
“It worked”, was my new friend’s incredulous reply. She continued, “My husband has panic attacks in small spaces. What about that?” I suggested, “The two of you could discuss the fact that God is good, has authority over all that is not good, and desires our lives not be limited by fear and anxiety. Then declare together believing the fear and panic must go in God’s authority.” Nodding with understanding she said, “We will do that.”
With 3 empty seats behind us, the expected seat shuffle took place. As the gentleman in my aisle and myself agreed upon prior to all this, he and I both ended up with an empty seat beside us. As the plane ascended into the clouds, I grinned as the realization came upon me that there was no earthly way we were both going to enjoy this extra space. But in God’s economy, all things are possible when we listen, believe and obey, daring to declare his way.
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I assure you that you can say to this mountain, ‘May God lift you up and throw you into the sea,’ and your command will be obeyed. All that’s required is that you really believe and do not doubt in your heart. Listen to me!” Mark 11:22-24
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.” Matt. 18:19