Looking on the bright side

“And to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,” (Eph. 4:23)

Things go wrong sometimes

Recently, on a flight home from a conference I had attended on the opposite side of the country, I faced a very tight connection between flights. Normally, this wouldn’t have been a big deal—but my first flight was delayed by a few minutes, and by the time we landed, my next flight was already boarding.

To make matters worse

I was seated near the back of the plane, so it took extra time to deplane. I had to run to make my connecting flight, which was at a gate halfway across the airport and required a short shuttle ride—usually just a minute or so. But as soon as I boarded, the shuttle broke down. Now I was delayed beyond hope. I missed my connecting flight!

On top of that

In the confusion of everything (thank you, dyslexia), I took a wrong turn and ended up being redirected back through airport security. Even though I had already cleared security prior to my earlier flight with no issues, this time I was flagged for additional screening. They opened everything I had, thoroughly inspected my belongings, and I was both x-rayed and patted down.

I still had to find a new flight home

It was the middle of a long travel day, I was exhausted, and all I wanted was to be home. I found myself growing grumpy and slipping into a negative attitude.

But in that moment

I remembered something important that I had once heard: “Our disappointments are sometimes God’s appointments.” I had recently read about someone who missed an important flight because of a tire blowout and was devastated—until they discovered the flight they missed was one that tragically hit a Twin Tower on September 11.

Perhaps there was a bigger reason I missed my flight connection?

I may never know the reason, sometimes negative things just happen (see John 16:33). But I thought of a comforting promise: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Rom 8:28 NLT)

Joseph’s 13-year journey

The life of Joseph is great example of a brighter end following a dark journey (see Genesis 37–50). From being sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and thrown into prison, to eventually becoming second-in-command to Pharaoh—God used every step to get him where he needed to be in order to accomplish God’s greater purpose.

Delays, detours, and disruptions can easily steal our peace

If we let them. But Scripture reminds us:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6–7 NASB)

Therefore

“Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” (Heb. 13:15)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:16–18 ESV)