Last Thursday, I headed north to Oklahoma City en route to Chicago, Illinois. I am totally unfamiliar with our state’s capital, so let’s just say I was intimidated before I even got to the airport. Probably because I got lost. After much prayer, the Lord revealed to me the location of the hotel in which I was staying the night. I had to get to my gate by 6:15 AM the next day, so I went over early. Around 7 PM that evening, I got word that my flight had been changed…to 2:30 PM! I would land at O’Hare at 4:35 PM, if all went well.

Miraculously, my plane did arrive in Chicago on schedule! I got off and was left little time to gawk at my surroundings. This was not my first time to Chicago. In fact, I’ve been there many times. I’ve flown there two other times, both to Midway, never O’Hare.

Neon lights on the ceiling at O’Hare.

Oh boy, O’Hare! The second largest and second busiest airport in the nation. And there I was, with my little carry-on bag, my little purse, my little SAS shoes. Feeling very little. Business men and women zipped past me. Captains and flight attendants (who looked rather bleary-eyed, by the way) briskly moved along. Everyone knew where they were going…everyone, except me! I started walking and praying simultaneously. Where was I? Would my ride be able to find me? The conference began 2.5 hours from the time I deplaned, and I was speaking first! Through many kind people, the Lord directed me to my final destination: a parking lot where my ride did indeed find me. The host graciously allowed me to speak last, since I arrived fifteen minutes late due to traffic. To sum it up, I did a horrible job, but as usual, the wonderful people of First Baptist Church, Sauk Village, Illinois, lovingly encouraged me. Our God is wonderful, and it was proved to me once more as He used me – even in my fatigued, nervous and rattled condition!

But this is what I learned at O’Hare airport.

1. I learned that I’m doing what I was meant to do. I’ve wanted to travel my whole life. As a teenager, I wanted to be a Congresswoman from the 2nd district of Arkansas. I admit that sometimes, being a stay at home mom doesn’t seem as glamorous as introducing a bill in Washington. Okay, so it isn’t as glamorous. No question. But, as I found my way through the maze of tunnels and terminals, it was obvious that I’m doing just what I was meant to do. The glitz and glamour life is for others, and I’m thankful for them, but it’s not for me. I’m right where I belong. And I am making a difference in the lives of five little people.

Edward O’Hare’s Airplane used in WWII.

2. I learned that we must reach the world with the Gospel. I already knew this, but this was a great reminder! If I hadn’t had a deadline, if I could have stayed in that airport for a few days, I could have told thousands of people about Christ without walking one foot! They poured past me in groups, the trickled by in singles, they stood in lines, they slumped in chairs, they rode in little golf carts, they raced up escalators, they walked on moving walkways, they had their shoes shined, they were pushed in wheelchairs, they sat in bars, they ate in restaurants- everywhere I turned  there were hundreds of people! I don’t know how many of them knew Christ. My heart was overwhelmed with the need, and with my own inferiority at meeting that need.

3. I learned that no matter where I am, God is with me. He cares about me! What a thought! I remembered the passage in Psalm 139:7-12:

⁷ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Indeed, where can I go that HE is not there? As I walked through that gigantic place, I was scared. The fear almost took my breath away. But the Good Shepherd was there with me, and as my anxious voice cried out from within, He heard and directed me and by His grace, I ended up in the right place. I was afraid, but He did not forsake me because of my fear. He helped me; He guided me.

Waiting on my ride. The newspaper box is empty. lol!

4. I learned that outward calm is not an indication of inward peace. I saw many people who looked strong, confidant and intelligent, but no doubt many of them are not sure where they will end up in eternity. Likewise, I appeared frightened, frazzled and perhaps a bit frustrated – but it was momentary. I was temporarily uncomfortable. I am feeling so much better back in my element, in my “zone”. I don’t doubt my salvation. I know where my ultimate destination is, and that’s a wonderful feeling. I hope it’s a feeling that you know, too.

The verse that leaped out at me while I was attempting to share my thoughts and testimony in Chicago was
2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

I learned (again) that I’m a terrible speaker and a weak Christian. But I glory in Christ who can use a weakling such as I!  As long as I live, I want to give Him praise. And today, I praise Him for O’Hare airport.