“Navigating Life’s Detours: Why Discomfort, Delays, and Changes Are Part of God’s Plan”
Have you ever been so uncomfortable that you wanted to turn back?
I had one of those moments recently at the airport. For those who know me, you know I cannot stand being hot. So, I intentionally didn’t wear my big coat, even though I knew it would be freezing outside. Instead, I packed it in my suitcase because I knew that when I reached my destination—New York—it would be even colder, and I would need it then.
Sure enough, when I stepped out of my car in Atlanta, the cold hit me—hard. I only had on a light jacket, and it was brutal. But I reminded myself: this is temporary.
Once I got on the train, it was warmer. And I knew it would only be a short walk from the train depot into the terminal. My discomfort was real, but it was momentary. And as I walked, I heard in my spirit:
“Sometimes we have to go through uncomfortable seasons to get to a place of peace and purpose. Don’t turn back just because it feels hard right now.”
This immediately reminded me of 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV):
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Our discomfort, our struggles, and even our sacrifices are temporary. They are preparing us for something greater.
When the Path Changes
As I entered the airport, I noticed something else—the layout was different. There were unexpected turns, detours, and construction. It didn’t look like the airport I remembered. And for a moment, I felt confused.
Isn’t that how life works? We map out a journey, thinking we know exactly where we’re going, only to find that the path has changed. The route that was familiar is no longer there, and we have to navigate a new way.
But here’s the thing: just because the path looks different doesn’t mean you’re lost.
And then, another change—my gate was reassigned.
At first, I didn’t realize it. I had checked my phone earlier, but I didn’t check it again. When I arrived at T1, I looked up and saw the sign for another city. That’s when I checked my phone and saw that my flight had moved to T8. Thankfully, I had arrived early and my flight was already delayed, so I wasn’t stressed or rushed. I had time to adjust, stroll over, take care of other things, and now I’m simply waiting.
There’s a lesson here: Sometimes, God redirects our path, and if we’re not paying attention, we might head toward a place we’re no longer meant to be. But the good news? Our seat is still reserved. Even when things shift, what God has for us is still for us.
Isaiah 43:19 (ESV) reassures us of this truth:
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Sometimes, the unfamiliar path is actually God making a way where we didn’t even realize we needed one.
Delays Are Not Denials
And then, the final lesson came when I got to my gate. My flight was delayed. My plans were now on hold. I could have been frustrated, but instead, I made a choice: I used the delay as an opportunity. I got something to eat, I sat down, and I took a moment to be intentional.
Life’s delays work the same way. Sometimes, God allows delays—not to deny us, but to prepare us. To give us rest. To redirect us. To equip us for what’s ahead.
Habakkuk 2:3 (NLT) reminds us:
“This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed.”
God’s timing is perfect, even when it feels slow to us.
Jesus Spoke Through Parables—God Still Speaks Through Our Daily Lives
As I reflected on this entire experience, I realized something—this was a modern-day parable.
Jesus often used everyday experiences to teach deeper spiritual truths. He talked about farming, fishing, lost coins, and vineyards because He knew people could relate to those things. And here I was, having a simple airport experience, yet God was using it to speak to me.
The natural and the spiritual often meet in our daily lives—we just have to slow down and listen.
So here’s the encouragement today:
- Don’t turn back just because you’re uncomfortable.
- Don’t panic just because the path looks different.
- Don’t be discouraged just because there’s a delay.
- Don’t stress when plans change—your seat is still reserved.
Every step is leading you somewhere. God sees the full picture. Trust Him, even in the uncomfortable, unfamiliar, and unexpected moments.
A’s Love Note
- Where in your life have you been tempted to turn back just because it’s uncomfortable?
- How has a delay in your life actually been a hidden blessing?
- How can you trust God when your plans or directions suddenly change?
