By Kirsten Nicole
July 31, 2023
This last week, I had the opportunity to visit one of the world's largest airshows in Oshkosh, WI. Some call it the EAA, some call it the Oshkosh fly-in, some call it Airventure. Whatever the case, it was awe-striking just how many planes were on the ground and in the air at this fly-in. I've read that over 600,000 people visit during the course of the week, and over 10,000 planes are present. Many people bring their RVs or tents and some fly in their personal planes and camp beside them all week.
Planes from all decades show up and show off during this incredible week. Even though I'm not particularly interested in the details of aviation, the sheer size and scope of this air show was pretty spectacular to behold.
At the end of the day on Friday, we got to watch an airshow. Planes did all sorts of stunts, including a helicopter doing a barrel roll and an upside-down loop. The most impressive, however, was the fighter jet. It started doing loops, flying on its side, slowing to almost a stop and flying straight up into the air, zooming by at speeds that were almost incomprehensible. While these stunts were amazing, it was the sound that always caught attention. It was by far the loudest aircraft I have ever heard. You could barely hear it as it flew toward you, but when it was right overhead, the boom was deafening, and it rumbled the ground beneath. Many people covered their ears. Yes, I was one of them. Every time. Even though planes had been flying over our heads (also loud) all day...nothing quite commanded attention like the fighter jet. Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to look to the sky. Continuing a conversation was pointless; focusing on anything else...useless. Even if you were walking away from the runway, there was this irresistible urge to look up.
Because it was so powerful.
We are fascinated with things that make us feel small. Perhaps to try and somehow comprehend what is bigger and mightier...to bring it down to our level and "conquer" it psychologically. We are mesmerized by the powerful. The ocean, tornados and hurricanes, dinosaurs, Mars, the Loch Ness monster, glaciers, earthquakes, grizzly bears.... They command our attention just by their existence.
But these are only shadows of the might and power of God.
I was convicted this morning about why I didn't have the same awe and fascination with God's power. Why do I not constantly acknowledge, as David did, that,
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone (I Chronicles 29:11; NASB).
Scripture is full of the might of God.
“Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27)
Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. (Jeremiah 32:17)
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. (Colossians 1:16)
Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. (Revelation 19:6)
And not only does He possess great strength, but He gives us strength when we seek Him. Not supernatural power, but supernatural perspective. Spiritual strength. A peace that passes all understanding that we are held by the God who created all.
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (I Chronicles 16:11)
This power should give me a healthy fear of the God who has the power to speak a universe and all of life into existence. But it should also give me an appreciation, wonder, and gratitude that this same God chose me, a fragile and insignificant creature on whom to bestow His love and mercy, and absolutely nothing takes Him by surprise. He is too powerful and mighty to be surprised by anything that happens on this earth, and an omnipotent God is holding the entire universe in His hands.
Rest in that, friends. And be amazed by the power of our God!
What is a time when God has demonstrated His power in your life?
Selah. Amen!