When airplane pilots are training, they spend many hours in flight
simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the
challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots
don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can
calmly walk away.
Simulators are tremendous teaching tools—helpful in preparing the
aspiring pilot to take command of an actual aircraft. The devices, however,
have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the
full-blown pressures of handling a real cockpit cannot be fully replicated.
Real life is like that, isn’t it? It cannot be simulated. There is no
safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs
unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable. That’s
why the words of Jesus are so reassuring. He said, “These things I have spoken
to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation;
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can
have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate
victory.
No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God. (RBC)
