The Strange Hand of God

“Don’t let life affect your worship; let your worship effect life.” ― LaMar Boschman. A singular flight from Lagos to Abuja remains engraved in my consciousness as a vivid demonstration of the astounding power of praise. What started as a typical journey would soon transform into a spiritual revelation that forever changed my understanding of faith and Divine intervention. As our plane took off, it soared into the vast sky, leaving the bustling cityscape of Lagos behind and tracing a smooth arc from Lagos towards Abuja. An air of tranquillity permeated the cabin. Our journey commenced on an ordinary note, and with time, the flight attendants served the in-flight refreshments. They moved with practised grace, distributing the familiar snacks and drinks. The peaceful hum of conversation and the rustling of snack wrappers created an atmosphere of tranquil normalcy. However, the serenity abruptly shattered as the plane encountered an unexpected onslaught of intense turbulence unlike anything I had ever experienced. The usual announcement from the cockpit echoed through the cabin, urging passengers to return to their seats and securely fasten their seat belts. The voice strived to instil a sense of calm amidst the increasing unease. Despite the brewing storm, the crew attempted to infuse a sense of peace into the disconcerted passengers. But the turbulence continued its merciless dance, casting a dark shadow and transforming our previously serene cabin into a whirlwind of chaos. Drinks toppled over, splashing across laps. Snacks launched into a frenzied airborne projectile. The fear that quietly seeped into the passengers erupted into audible cries and fervent prayers. Even the seasoned air hostesses, initially striving to restore order amidst the disarray, were eventually consumed by the overwhelming situation and retreated to the safety of their seats. As the turbulence intensified, I could feel the icy fingers of fear crawl up my spine, gripping my heart with a cold, dreadful clutch. Each jolt sent waves of dread through me. My thoughts raced to my family – my husband's encouraging gaze, my children's infectious laughter, my mother's nurturing touch, and the shared bonds with my siblings. A sudden descent commenced, the aircraft was losing altitude at an alarming rate, and the pervasive fear in the cabin morphed into raw, unfiltered terror. The heart-rending cries of "God, help me!" filled the space, punctuated by desperate shouts of "Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!!." As the aircraft descended, I could feel my fear amplifying. I could hear the fierce drumming of my heart, its frantic thumping slowly drowning out the desperate pleas and prayers that filled the cabin. In this maelstrom of panic, as we braced ourselves for the unimaginable, a solitary female voice pierced the tumult, resounding with startling clarity: "Stop praying. Start praising God. God inhabits the praises of his people." Without missing a beat, she broke into an uplifting song of praise. Her voice, steadfast and resonant, served as a lifeline in the tumultuous sea of dread, a beacon of faith, standing firm against the turbulence, slicing through the shroud of panic enveloping us all. “Praise and worship is such a powerful device is able to dismantle every shackle and its able to breakdown every wall.” ― Euginia Herlihy. A palpable shift occurred in the cabin. We were encouraged by the woman's courage. Our voices that had previously trembled with fear found new resonance, joining in a harmonious chorus of praise. The power of collective praise reverberated through the cabin, replacing the desperate prayers and cries that had filled the air just moments ago. The aircraft, seemingly reinvigorated by this collective act of faith, wrestled control from the turbulence, steadily regaining its equilibrium. It shuddered, pulling itself from the steep drop, seemingly striving to correct itself; it commenced a gradual ascent, regaining altitude and stability. With bated breath and hearts filled with praise, we witnessed the aircraft regain complete control, navigating safely through our journey to Abuja. The relief that washed over us as we finally touched down was overpowering. I stepped off the plane; my heart filled with gratitude and a newly discovered understanding of the power of praise. "When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears." - Tony Robbins. That day, I did not just survive a terrifying flight; I experienced the unshakable affirmation of the transformative power of praise. The experience seared itself onto my soul. Our fear-fuelled prayers did not change our circumstances; instead, our unified praise caught God's attention, altering our brush with disaster into a triumphant victory. This deep understanding still resonates with me, reminding me of the incredible power encapsulated in praising God. Praising God means acknowledging, appreciating, and celebrating His greatness, goodness, works, attributes, dependability, power, deeds, and faithfulness in our lives and the world. It is an act of joyous surrender, a heartfelt testament to His magnificence, His profound work, and the radiance of His being. This praise can take many forms, such as prayer, singing, worship, acts of service, or simply heartfelt words of gratitude and adoration. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." - In Psalm 150:6 (New International Version) Praise is not just a command but a gift that God has given us, a way to express our deepest feelings of trust, gratitude, awe, and love towards our Creator.