Here is a powerful approach used by a pilot during a very difficult situation. In 1989 Dave Cronin was flying a big 747 on the second to last flight of his piloting career. He had just left Honolulu and was heading to Australia on United flight 811. Suddenly, on the ascent at about 22,000 feet, a forward cargo door blew out resulting in a huge hole in the side of the aircraft. This disaster resulted in two rows of seats and nine passengers being ripped out of the airplane. Immediately, two of the plane’s engines became inoperable. Dave was in a bad spot, but there were 328 other passengers and 15 flight attendants still on his plane, and he needed to act quickly but decisively with skill and precision.

Dave carefully turned the plane around and somehow safely landed the plane preserving the lives of the remaining passengers and crew. After safely landing the plane Dave was asked how he coped with the trying situation. He said, “I prayed and then went to work.” Dave also said, “There is no way I could have brought the plane down without God’s help; if I had made one wrong maneuver we never would have made it.”

I am grateful in my life for pilots, leaders, parents, a good wife, and for all those who have prayed and then went to work on my behalf. I know the Lord has consecrated their efforts. I am grateful for a Savior that pleads with us to pray and go to work. May we fervently pray and go to work assured that God will consecrate our efforts.