I recently had to remind myself of this post from 2016. Maybe you need to hear it again, too. Trust is a funny thing…..

Have you ever been in a hot air balloon? A propane fire heats the air inside the balloon, which allows it to float upward; as the air cools, the balloon descends. The pilot can’t really steer, but he goes up and down until he finds a wind current that carries him in the direction he wants to go. The balloon can’t travel any faster than the wind, and if there’s no wind the balloon just sits there in the sky. Fascinating, right?

Neil and I thought so too, so we celebrated our first wedding anniversary with a hot air balloon ride. It was a glorious summer morning, with a clear sky, no humidity, and comfortably cool temperature.  Neil and I bravely climbed over the chest-height sides into the wicker passenger basket. It seemed sturdy enough, but there was no roof or side rails – nothing much to protect us from the fire above and the ground below.

As the fire lit up and the balloon gently started to rise, my brain automatically evaluated all the things that could go wrong. Hmm…a gust of wind could tip the basket and dump us free falling through the air like sky divers without a parachute. Or the wind could change direction and whisk us off course like the poor Wizard of Oz. Or the fire could die and send the whole balloon crashing to the ground. I am not afraid of heights, but as we floated above the buildings and trees, the openness of the basket was disconcerting. Shouldn’t this at least be enclosed, I wondered?

Our pilot was  used to nervous passengers, so he rattled off the balloon’s safety features and informed us of his credentials and qualifications. I gradually relaxed as the scenery became smaller and smaller. Neil held my hand and distracted me by pointing out roads and landmarks down below. Before long, I was laughing and having a great time, feeling invigorated and relaxed.

We gradually approached a large body of water shimmering like a mirror in the distance. The sunlight flickered on gentle waves, and we floated out over it. I love looking at the water, and I could probably swim if I had to save one of my daughters’ lives, but anything less dramatic and I’m  sure I would drown. My anxiety level rose again as the pilot exclaimed happily, “You guys are going to love this. We’re going to land on the water!”

With concentration and precise control, he allowed the balloon to descend  toward the middle of the giant reservoir. “Not many pilots can do this,” he bragged. Sure enough, as my heart pounded so loud I couldn’t hear anything else, he lowered the basket to sit on the water’s surface for a few minutes. I was so terrified I barely breathed, but Neil was thrilled. He reached out over the edge and splashed me. Then he and the pilot laughed gleefully  like two little kids as the fire lit again and the balloon leisurely began its ascent.

Once again, I began to breathe and relax. A curious thing happened though. After the little stint on the water, the height and the open air no longer bothered  me at all. Having safely dipped us in the water, I had complete trust that our pilot could manage the sky.

Trust is hard. The balloon had its safety certificates and the pilot had all the necessary credentials, but until he brought me through a terrifying situation, I didn’t completely trust him. It occurs to me I do that with God, too. I read the Bible, I go to church, I know His promises, but I don’t always trust Him.

Then something challenging happens and He brings me safely through it.   My trust is temporarily renewed and strengthened. Unfortunately, I seem to forget it again as time goes by, and the cycle starts all over. I become doubtful and anxious until God helps me get through some new crisis. He doesn’t make those bad things happen, but He does use them to remind me He is with me and can be trusted. Can you relate?

This time I am determined not to repeat the cycle. I will remind myself every day: God can be trusted. His promises are true. I couldn’t ask for a better pilot.

Fear not, I am with you. Do not be dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, and uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Don’t forget to share with others who might need this reminder!