“Miracle On The Hudson”

His amazing heroics in the cockpit not only led to what is being called “Miracle on The Hudson”, but also earned him a personal invite to the inauguration by Barack Obama.

Chesly B. "Sully" Sullenberger’s life has seen a remarkable transformation, going from an obscure, although highly competent, air liner pilot to an instant aviation hero and legend. His sudden fame came when he managed a mind-boggling water landing on New York’s frigid Hudson river after his craft’s engines died just minutes after takeoff from La Guardia airport.

Although several key external factors lined up to make favorable landing conditions, Sullenberger’s flying experience and outstanding composure were still key to the survival of all 155 passengers aboard flight 1549. The U.S. Air pilot himself had over 40 years in the air, including both commercial jets and in the U.S. Air Force. This is in addition to numerous other aviation-related ventures, all of which contributed to this pilot’s ability to turn a near disastrous event into a big time miracle!

It has been said that there is no substitute for experience – a concept whose veracity is proven millions of times every day. Interestingly, the same holds true when dealing in spiritual matters. Those who seem able to overcome life’s more difficult obstacles and remain calm in the midst of unexpected disasters are usually those who have prepared themselves ahead of time.

The Scriptures make it abundantly clear that salvation is only the initial ‘take off’ portion of the Christian experience. Newborn believers are not to spend the duration of their lives just taxing down life’s runway, so to speak. God expects continual spiritual growth and maturity in the lives of His redeemed people.

Peter reveals this concept in his second letter in the form of a warning. “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:17-18) Paul also reveals the value of a growing and maturing in the faith. He writes in Philippians 1:9-10, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.”

The fear that gripped the surviving souls on flight 1549 during those few fateful minutes between the engine failure and aviation heroism must have been beyond belief. Many were reportedly in serious prayer for those 2-3 horrifying minutes. This time around, things turned out well. None were unexpectedly ushered into eternity. All would live to tell and retell of their exclusive experience. But hopefully, that same unique experience will not be wasted solely to entertain or mesmerize the curious crowds. Hopefully any who were not then ready to meet their Maker that fateful day will use their extended time on earth wisely. And hopefully it will dawn on them that they could have very well been described like those spoken of in Proverbs 1:24-27.

“When your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you, then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke.”

And lastly, hopefully those on flight 1549 who were ready to face eternity with Christ as their advocate will realize their own need of regular spiritual growth. Hopefully they will acknowledge the words of Paul in Colossians 1 and make the effort to become spiritually mature and therefore become competent to face life’s unexpected crises while grasping opportunities to serve their Savior.

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:9-10)

Bill Breckenridge