Aw, Nuts!

Technically, it is the "main rotor retention nut", but savy helicopter jockeys refer to it as the "Jesus nut". By whatever name it is called, it is the device that secures the front rotor-blades to the mast. They call it the "Jesus nut" because, the reasoning goes, if it fails you had better start praying to Jesus as it would take a miracle to survive!

A helicopter is an amazing piece of aeronautics. If a pilot loses power completely, he can still land safely by means of a maneuver called "auto rotation" in which the momentum of the whirling props and the upward rush of air give him enough lift to descend under control. He can fly for a very short distance without power, but not without rotor-blades! Everything hinges on the "Jesus nut"!

I wonder - what is your "Jesus nut"? You know - that thing that has to go wrong before you will throw away the self-help manuals and get down on your knees in prayer? Too many times in our lives, prayer is a last resort when in reality, it should be our first resort! Though we may have lost all power, we can, for a short time "auto-rotate" letting momentum and casual breezes be a poor substitute for the mighty rushing wind of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63a). We are descending - crashing actually - but seemingly maintaining the illusion of control.

I have learned a very important lesson that every Christian needs to learn and practice - God is NOT my co-pilot! He wants to be in charge and will periodically snafu the "Jesus nut" in my life to remind me of this fact as I am driven to my knees in prayer. But I have also learned that my life does not have to be a series of white-knuckle supplications, shouted at high decibels as I hurtle earthward. If I will pray when all is well, I can avoid the need of periodic terror as a stimulus to what should be my daily Bible reading and prayer (Psalm 119:105; Matt. 4:4; Luke 18:1; Rom.12:12c; I Thess.5:17)!

So, what is your "Jesus nut"? What has to go wrong before you will seek the face of our Heavenly Father? Let me give you a helpful word of advice: don't shut yourself up to failure-driven prayer. Pray now - don't wait for your life to go nuts!

Aw, Nuts!
Pastor David Blevins