Two airplane flights – one to Minsk in Belarus and the other to Little Rock, Arkansas. The landing in Minsk involved thick clouds and heavy fog, causing a delay in arrival. But the landing in Little Rock seemed effortless.

What were the differences and similarities in these journeys? And how do these examples teach us about the unwanted delays of the faith walk?

Both of my airplane experiences descended through clouds. They also made connections in cities that I did not need or want to go through.

However, to reach my desired destinations, I was required to make these stops:

Disembark, find another gate, get another boarding pass, wait in another airport, walk up another jet way, plop into another seat, buckle another seat belt and listen to another rendition of safety instructions.

It would be so much easier if the airlines would take me where I wanted to go without any extra connections. But it doesn’t always work that way. Neither does it work that way in life.

God designs my life journey with delays and connections. What seems to me an unnecessary detour is part of His sovereign plan.

Maybe He wants me to sit awhile and do nothing, just like waiting in an airport. Maybe I need to slow down to reach my destination.

As jet lag takes its toll on me physically, rapid emotional or spiritual shifts might wipe me out as well.

Maybe I need to encounter another passenger along the way, someone I wouldn’t have met if I had not made a connecting flight. Maybe I need to hear another set of instructions repeated. Or maybe I simply need to trust God to plan my trip, connections and delays alike.

Whatever the reason, I must yield the scheduling to Him.

How has God taught you about unwanted delays?

2013 Deborah Simon, Executive Director
GateWay of Hope Ministries, The Helping Place for Hurting Women