top of page

God's Voice at 30,000 Feet

Writer's picture: Kacie Starr LongKacie Starr Long


There have been a few times in my life when my faith, beliefs, and behavior were challenged so deeply that I knew—without a doubt—that God was speaking to me. Sometimes, He speaks through events, and other times, He uses people in unexpected ways.


I remember years ago when I was in a long-distance relationship and often traveled by plane to see my boyfriend. One particular trip took me to Reno, Nevada, where we planned a romantic getaway. I departed from St. Louis, and he was coming from California to meet me there.


As I settled into my seat, I struck up a conversation with my seatmate—an older gentleman traveling for work. We made small talk about the flight, our destinations, and other random things. Then, somehow, the conversation meandered toward my love for God and my relationship with my boyfriend. Looking back, I know this encounter was divinely orchestrated because, really, who gets on a plane and starts talking to a stranger about their struggle with pre-marital sex?


But there I was, openly sharing. I admitted that I loved God and identified as a Christian, yet I was engaging in something I knew wasn’t His best for me. My seatmate was kind, compassionate, and thoughtful—but also direct. He agreed with me and gently spoke the truth: It was not God’s will for me to engage in pre-marital sex. Then, he challenged me to make a decision—right then and there—to honor God with my body. And I agreed. I told him that upon arriving in Reno, I would tell my boyfriend that I no longer wanted to have sex before marriage.



There are moments in life when we encounter truth-tellers—people who don’t just say what we want to hear but what we need to hear. Even as I write this, tears come to my eyes because my seatmate took the time to share God’s truth with me. I know now that he was a Christian, and I know God used him to plant that seed in my heart.


Now, let me be honest. After my flight landed and I reunited with my boyfriend, I told him about my conversation. I shared how convicted I felt and that I didn’t want to have sex anymore. He didn’t say much at the time. But by the end of our trip, I had given in.

I had made a choice—one that I knew broke God’s heart. But even though I stumbled, the truth my seatmate shared didn’t fade. That seed had been planted.


I’ve learned that sometimes we plant, and other times we water. Some seeds take root and grow immediately, while others are snatched away by temptation, trials, or distractions. It would be years later—after I was filled with the Holy Spirit—that I made a vow to God and kept it: I would not engage in sex again until marriage.


Romans 10:14 always challenges me:


“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”


That verse reminds me of the importance of speaking truth in love. I needed that stranger on the plane to be bold enough to share God’s truth with me. The world and culture will tell us one thing, but God’s Word remains the same: Sex is for marriage. It is a holy covenant between a husband and a wife.


There are times when I don’t want to rock the boat—when I want to be liked, accepted, and avoid confrontation. But I am learning to ask God for wisdom and courage to speak His truth when the opportunity arises. My husband, Al, once shared a powerful visual with me:

If someone is walking toward the edge of a cliff, we don’t just watch them fall. We cry out. We warn them. We reach for them.


Love says something.


Love speaks the truth.


Love is courageous.





And love isn’t always received right away. Sometimes, the seeds we plant take time to grow. But over time, God can use our obedience to transform lives.


Even now, all these years later, I have never forgotten my seat mate’s words. I thank God for his willingness to love a stranger enough to tell her the truth. He reminded me that I was loved, beautifully accepted by God, and that I didn’t have to give away my body to someone who wasn’t in covenant with me.


So, dear sea tmate—wherever you are—thank you. Thank you for loving me enough to share God’s truth. I pray that He blesses you, your family, and everything you put your hands to. Your words changed my life, and


Our Challenge:

Who in your life needs to hear the truth spoken in love? Ask God for wisdom and courage to be a voice of truth and grace. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or even a stranger, don’t shy away from planting seeds. Your words changed my life, and I promise to pay it forward—to be a loving truth-teller, always pointing others to Jesus.


A Prayer for Boldness in Truth:

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to speak truth into my life, even when it was hard to hear. Help me to be a vessel of Your truth and love, sharing Your Word with boldness and grace. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and courage to do so without fear. Let my words be seasoned with love and guided by Your Spirit. And Lord, for those who hear the truth, soften their hearts so that the seeds planted may take root and grow in Your perfect timing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Bible Verse:

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." – Colossians 4:6



Bonus Resource: If this resonates, check out my book Self-Esteem Through Scripture: Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of God. It’s full of reminders about who you are in Christ. You can grab it on Amazon (and yes, I go back and reread it myself when I need a reminder!).


Hi, my name is Kacie Starr Long. I am an author, and speaker and I love to use my voice to point people to Jesus. When I'm not writing, I'm either hanging out with my husband or sewing. God delivered me from food addiction and I have a sewing ministry, called the Sew Hope Community Sewing Room. I am the proud wife of Alfred T. Long, Sr and together we lead a non-profit that serves prisoners and their families. Connect with me at www.InspiredOverflow.com and via my YouTube page for Christian teachings and encouragement.




3 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Subscribe to be added to Kacie's monthly blog posts.

© 2022 by Inspired Overflow Enterprises, LLC. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page