As our family excitedly awaited Adam (oldest son) and Sofia (daughter-in-law) flying in from Kentucky late Friday night for our family vacation together, early that same day I received an notification from a risk assessment / crisis response group we use in ReachGlobal:
“During the early morning hours of 19 July, U.S. IT firm CrowdStrike reported that a “defect” in an update for Windows was the cause of a massive global IT outage that led to major operational disruptions to airports and airlines, hospitals, banks, media organizations, and more. It is reportedly the largest IT outage ever, and CrowdStrike is deploying a fix after identifying the issue.
•At least 1,683 flights have been cancelled and almost 19,000 delayed. (These numbers grew exponentially as the day(s) continued. 3500 Delta flights alone were cancelled on Saturday.)
•The FAA earlier grounded all American Airlines, Delta, and United flights.”
CrowdStrike Global IT outage that affected the world in many ways.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian released a statement that it was the busiest travel weekend of the summer. Yes, Adam and Sofia’s flights were affected, and we spent many hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday trying to get them out here. Alas, we were unsuccessful. Presently, we rebooked them with a different airlines and are hoping they will be able to make it late Tuesday. As bummed as we were, I know there were many others who were MUCH more affected by this disruption. Then on Sunday night President Biden announced he is withdrawing from the presidential race of 2024, and endorsed Kamila Harris for the democratic nominee. Indeed these are uncertain days in our country and in the world.
Holly got me this picture for an anniversary one year. Psalm 18:2 is inscribed underneath: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Yet in the midst of the uncertainty, some things are bedrock solid. In my devotional readings this week, I’ve been in 2 Corinthians. Paul reminds us in chapter one of the comfort we receive from God that flows through us to others, a hope that is unshaken. We join with Christ in a “triumphal procession,” spreading “the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere.” (2:14) In fact, although we have no confidence in ourselves, “our sufficiency is from God, who made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant.” (3:5-6) So although “we have this treasure in jars of clay,” (4:7) “we do not lose heart.” (4:16) “Light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (4:17) So let us “look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen,” not to the transient, but to the eternal. (4:18)
Paul goes on throughout his letter rooting us in the eternal, the truth behind the thin veneer of this life. I was reminded, challenged, and encouraged by Paul’s thoughts. Much in this life is uncertain, and nearly everything will pass away. God, His Word, and His people remain. Invest in these higher priorities. Hold all else loosely. True security is only found in Christ.
I know this is true, but it is so easy for me to forget, or get distracted, or lose focus. So I put a reminder on my phone as my screen wallpaper a few years ago with this picture:
Alyssa and Holly reminding me to check my perspective. Just about everything outside of Christ is “small stuff!”
May you be encouraged, friends, as we approach more turbulent days, and it may feel as if the “mountains are falling into the heart of the sea,” “be still and know that the Lord is God.” (Psalm 46) He is in control, sovereignly ruling, and we must have faith in Him. He alone is our Security, our Stability, our Rock in uncertain times.
Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
