There is something reassuring about establishing a partnership with God. When the unexpected happens, the “peace that passes all understanding” brings a sense of confidence and freedom—freedom from the debilitating effects of fear and the freedom to move forward with your hand placed confidently in His.

As I write, we are safely on the ground in Rochester, Minn., awaiting a rescue plane—the smell of smoke still lingering in our nostrils. Maryann and I were awakened by the sound of alarms ringing in our ears and a thickening cloud brewing in the main cabin of Flight 531 to Seattle, Wash. We are on our way, hopefully, to perform a wedding ceremony for one of our “adopted” daughters and her fiancé.

Many thoughts run through your mind when you are at 35,000 feet as the prospects of getting safely on the ground diminish proportionately to the lack of visibility through the fog. Holding hands, we immediately thought of our three children—Josie in India; Tyler in class at Andrews Academy; and Ryan on the way to Academy Days at Great Lakes Adventist Academy.

God knows. God already has a plan. These thoughts brought peace. Our lives are in His hands and their futures are secure in Him. With reassurance we closed our eyes and rested in His care.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director and Lake Union Herald editor.