Just under a month ago I was going through a very challenging situation at work. It was certainly my hardest couple of weeks working in the airlines to date.

God did some amazing things throughout this time and I'd like to share just one of those with you. I hope it encourages you because it blew me away.

I was in the crew hotel in Brisbane, setting my alarm clock for the next morning's early start. I was not at all looking forward to the next few days and was pretty nervous about what might happen. Well, whenever I set an alarm the night before, I always test the radio volume before going to sleep to make sure it will actually be loud enough to get me out of bed at 4am. On this occasion, in the middle of a very tough time, I tested the radio just like I always do and was more than a little surprised to hear one of my all-time favourite pieces of Christian music playing! And not just one of my favourite songs but the best part of one of my favourite songs!

As the song came to an end the announcer said she'd like to share a verse of scripture saying “it might be right for your current season of life.” She read out 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." and then gave a 1 minute sermon elaborating on what it meant, that regardless of our concern or worry we should pray and that God will help us, that He has infinite power. After another song the radio station played a second mini-sermon from a Salvation Army worker, the basic gist of which was that no matter what situation we face, God is with us despite how scared we are!

Well, I cried (yes even pilots do). I couldn't help it. I was so humbled by God's kindness and unmeasurable love. The whole thing was so personal and incredible. I mean, what are the chances that the Christian station would be on in a city hotel in the first place? And that I would turn it on at that exact instant? Unbelievable.

God was telling me that He knew exactly what I was going through, with all its painful details. He was still there with me and He still loved me. He was reminding me just how caring, loving and in control He is.

Sometimes we can think that we should just get over our problems, especially workplace ones, detach our emotions and focus on "things not of this world". I've often thought to myself that in the big scheme of life and death, my issues don't matter and I should just decide to move on. But the truth is that God does care for our fears and stresses. He really does.

If you are facing something, I believe that God is saying the same thing to you as He did to me: "I'm close to you, and I know what it's like. I have been watching what you're going through, I care and I want to be here for you."

Until next time,
Chris McDonald