by Tim Hall

Dorothy Fletcher didn't realize what a good decision she had made as she boarded her flight. By the end of the day, however, she owed her life to that decision.

Dorothy, according to an Associated Press article from December 31, is a 67-year-old resident of Liverpool, England. She was on her way to her daughter's wedding when she started experiencing difficulties. A flight attendant quickly asked the passengers if there was a doctor on board who could help. Fifteen cardiologists, all bound for a conference in Orlando, stood and offered their services. After spending two days in intensive care in Charlotte, NC for a heart attack, Dorothy was able to make her daughter's wedding.

Not every flight has such expert medical care on hand. Dorothy's decision to board this particular plane was not made with cardiology care in mind, but it turned out to be a wonderful perk.

Standing in the terminal of life, each of us must make our decisions about which direction to take. Many flights bid for our attention, promising exotic and exciting destinations. One flight stands out for its simple promise: "Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things . . ." (Num. 10:29, NKJV). This is not a pleasure cruise kind of flight. But something about its up-front style of advertising appeals to us. We decide to board this flight called Christianity.

Along the way, we experience difficulties. Other flights can't furnish the help we need; they can only land at the nearest airport and leave us seeking out help on our own. The Lord's flight, though, is blessed with the constant presence of the Great Physician. He can provide expert care for whatever needs we experience.

Look more closely at the advertising: "Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs, I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you" (Isa. 46:4). Here's another statement of the Lord's offer: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. . . . I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance" (Lk. 15:4-7). The captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10) is able to help us - and He is always willing!

The flight before us is long. There are bound to be hard times in store for each of us. Having the right help available when we need it can be the difference between life and death. Let us choose wisely. Let us make sure that we get on the right flight.