The way of birds

The way of birds with airplane engines is a gentle reminder of a major biblical theme: "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord" (Proverbs 21:30). I see it as a little tap on the shoulder and a "Pssst. I'm in charge here. Don't forget."

My plans have not yet been altered by avian antics, but a deer staring into my headlights on Route 75 in Michigan's Upper Peninsular in October of 2007 changed my course in infinitely rippling ways. (Ever wonder how your life would be today if you had taken the other cab? Or a slightly later train?)

We think we've anticipated every possible contingency and built redundancy into our safety system-and then come the birds. Ahab, King of Israel, had it all figured out: He would go into battle against Syria with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, but he would disguise himself and have Jehoshaphat ride out in regal regalia. That'll fix Micaiah and his prophecy. But wouldn't you know, "a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate" (1 Kings 22:34). What are the chances of that? Well, 100 percent if that's what the Lord decrees.

Absalom had the kingship in the bag, and his father, King David, in flight. But nature was working for God, and the usurper found his luxurious hair snagged by the branch of a terebinth tree that thrust itself out at him (2 Samuel 18:9). Evil Haman hatched a foolproof plan to exterminate the Jews. It began to unravel because "that night the king could not sleep" (Esther 6:1).

Nothing nefarious was afoot on US Airways Flight 1549 departing from La Guardia last week. But God likes to remind us that he's driving this bus. And evidently He had other plans for 155 passengers that day.

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