January 15, 2009. Does that date mean anything to you?
What about “Sully” Sullenberger? Does that name ring a bell?
If we’ve missed twice, surely, you’ll connect with the last one. How about landing a commercial plane on the Hudson River? Does that sound familiar?
On that cold Manhattan morning, US Airways Flight 1549 took off from La Guardia International Airport in New York City, bound for Charlotte, North Carolina. Just a few minutes into the flight, the aircraft struck some Canadian Geese, disabling power in both engines. Believing that he was unable to glide back to La Guardia to land, Sutherland safely landed the plane in the Hudson River. All 155 souls aboard survived. It was undisputed heroic aviation.
Countless interviews and speaking engagements quickly ensued for “Sully.” In each one, he told the story from the cockpit of that remarkable morning. On one occasion, when asked, “How did you decide so quickly what to do?”, Sully responded, “I decided what I would do years ago. On that morning, I simply acted from experience.”
That wise perspective teaches much about life, leadership, and faith.
Everyday, we’re faced with choices. Some are more difficult to make than others. Some carry spiritual significance. A few bring eternal implications. Even so, when we make critical decisions in “real time,” we often end up on the losing side of discernment.
Strong leaders decide what they will do before problems come. When the wind blows, they’re stable. Deliberation was done years ago.
Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we must choose how to respond to temptation long before the tempter arrives. Though we may not always know how Satan will seduce, we know that he will strike. That’s why Paul tells us to arm ourselves with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6: 11-18). We don’t put on the armor once the struggle starts because we never take our armor off. Battles with Satan aren’t scheduled.
What would you do if Satan disabled your engines in the sky? Pull a play from Sully’s playbook. Decide yesterday so you are ready today.
Have a nice flight!
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