When the Delays and Detours are Discouraging

In my recent years of traveling, I have not once encountered an issue when taking an airplane. (Rare, isn’t it?)

That was…until a few weeks ago.

My departing flight was delayed three times, right as I was about to leave for the airport. I wasn’t bothered much, but all I wanted was to do Bible study. I’d be crammed into my seat with little space for anything, slightly disappointed at this outcome.

On the plane, I watched person after person board with their luggage, wondering if I should have upgraded my seat when the airline made a good offer. But when I heard an attendant say “we have finished boarding,” I was stunned. Nobody had taken the seats in my row.

As it turned out, people rescheduled flights and rearranged their plans that morning. The two people who were originally going to sit beside me must have changed their flights. This was better than any upgrade I could have paid for! I had hours of undivided Bible study time and the space I needed. I spread out my Bible and study materials across all three tray tables and seats, and time flew by.

The delay turned out to be the best outcome.

My return flight, an early morning trip, was canceled completely at the last minute. I had just gotten through security and collected my bags when my phone lit up with the email.

As I waited in the customer service line, I tried to come up with a plan. Keyword: tried. Any existing route home, either direct or layover, would get me home the next day. The most logical option, which I accepted, was an alternate route out of state and out of the way. It would take me longer to get home than my usual plan, but I would get home in the same day.

Unbeknownst to me at the time, the flight I accepted started boarding while the customer service representative printed my paper pass. The planner in me was frustrated as I rushed to the gate and boarded the plane. Mentally, I was disorganized and a bit overwhelmed. I didn’t want this situation, but I was grateful to have a solution.

I took my seat, this time on a much fuller flight. It was a window seat overlooking the sunrise of my favorite city skyline. I had the perfect view. On this trip, I hadn’t seen the cityscape much. And that morning, it was all I wanted. I arrived home later that day, which felt like a miracle. I was reminded how God cares about the details of our hearts…even when He disrupts our plans to make those things happen.

The detour turned out to be the best outcome.

As someone who delights in detailed plans, the delays and detours seemed unfavorable. But what I called a setback was God’s way of bringing success. The blessing was found in the breaking of my routines and expectations, so God could have His way. A better way. One that satisfied my longings in ways I never could. One where I had no choice but to trust and depend on His leading. One that made me see I am not in control – and I don’t want to be.

Instead of seeing these circumstances as hindrances to my plan, I see them as holy. God showed His love for me in attending to the desires of my heart in a new way. He revealed His peace in the chaos. He showed me His perfect provision. And I don’t know what He could have been protecting me from, but I trust He knows far more than I do. 

When my plans are disrupted, I can only trust that God has something better. Even when it doesn’t make sense. All throughout Scripture, we are reminded of God’s greater plan for us:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

The Lord spoke these words to the Israelites, His chosen people, as they were about to enter into an exile from the land He promised them. Even though this plan sounded horrible to them, God never stopped being loving. He never deviated from His good plans for His people. And while this verse is a promise to them, the principle remains true for us too: God has good plans for us.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 (ESV)

The psalmist acknowledges that God’s Word illuminates their path. While God’s Word won’t give us every detail, in it we have what we need to take our every next step. We don’t have to be afraid of what’s next when we are assured God is with us.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

In this proverb, we are reminded of our human limitations. We may want to trust our own knowledge, but how can we when we don’t see the full picture? Only God sees the full story. We can trust in Him and give Him the glory, and He will direct our steps. We come to Him humbly, knowing we can’t figure it out on our own, releasing our pride and desires for control. And we will see Him lead us in the best way for us.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” – John 16:13 (ESV)

Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us as believers, will guide us. He speaks by what He hears from the Lord, leading us in all truth. As we remain close to Him and stay in God’s Word, we’ll find it easier to discern what God’s will is for us.

If we believe these words, if we truly trust God with all our hearts, we won’t need to question where we’re going or what He’s doing. We won’t need answers to the unknowns. We’ll simply follow Him and trust He knows the way.

And if we truly believe God is leading us in the best path, we won’t try to forge our own or force our own timelines. We’ll be able to follow His leading, knowing His rhythms of work and rest are exactly what we need.

Friend, what are you trusting God with today? Where do you feel uncertain? Share in the comments or message me, so I can be praying for you!