Trusting God’s Layovers

When God Reroutes Your Flight (and Your Life)

The air is thick with the scent of earth and grass, freshly washed by the rain. The palm trees sway lazily, rocking back and forth like they’re in on some cosmic joke that I haven’t quite figured out yet. I sip on a creamy pineapple potion, its tropical sweetness coating my tongue as I glance around.

Nearby, diners are relaxed, laughing, enjoying their meals. The whole scene feels like an Instagram-worthy moment—peaceful, effortless, and beautifully unplanned.

The irony? I never planned to be here.

A few days ago, I had a passing thought about how nice it would be to visit Fiji someday. And now, here I am—not because I booked a vacation, but because a cyclone grounded my flight to Brisbane.

Life, right?

It’s funny how often we imagine something, only for God to deliver it in a completely unexpected way. I pictured a peaceful Fijian getaway in the distant future. Instead, I got an unplanned layover with a side of storm clouds.

But here’s the lesson I’m learning:

Peace isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about trusting that even the delays, detours, and divine reroutes are part of something bigger.

As Colossians 3:15 reminds us:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

But let’s be real—how do you actually let peace “rule” when things don’t go your way? When flights are canceled, when prayers seem unanswered, when you’re still waiting on a breakthrough, a next step, or (in my case) a life partner who is taking his sweet time making an appearance?

Stick around—because while I wait for the storm to pass (both literally and metaphorically), I have some soul insights to share about finding joy in life’s unexpected delays.

The Waiting Game: When God’s Timing and Yours Don’t Match

Patience has never been my spiritual gift. I like plans. I like certainty. I like knowing what’s next.

So, naturally, life has a way of teaching me patience through prolonged airport stays, unplanned layovers, and unanswered prayers.

This unexpected delay in Fiji? Maybe it’s not just about the cyclone—it’s about learning to sit in the unknown without panicking.

It reminds me of something C.S. Lewis once wrote:

“I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait.”

Oof. Let that one sink in.

What if waiting isn’t a punishment but preparation?

What if my delays—whether in flights, relationships, or career shifts—are actually God’s way of positioning me for something greater?

If I truly believe that God’s timing is better than mine, then I have to trust that He’s not just “making me wait” for fun. He’s aligning things perfectly—whether I can see it yet or not.

Soul Insights from the Unexpected Layovers of Life

As I sip my coconut drink and embrace this unexpected island pause, here are five deep (and slightly humorous) lessons I’m learning about waiting well.

1. Gratitude Shifts Your Perspective (and Your Mood)

I could have spent this time sulking about my canceled flight. Instead, I’m choosing gratitude—because let’s be real, there are worse places to be stuck than Fiji.

• The beach is stunning (hello, sunset views).

• The food is delicious (pineapple potion? Yes, please).

• The vibe is so relaxed—people here aren’t rushed, they’re just present.

Gratitude isn’t denial of frustration; it’s simply a reframing of reality. And as 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

The moment I switched from complaining to thanking, my whole mood changed.

2. God’s Timing is Better Than My iCloud (or Google) Calendar

If God and I were using the same scheduling app, I’d be married by now, possibly with a Pinterest-worthy love story, two cats, and a Husky.

But as it turns out, God isn’t consulting my timeline.

As Ecclesiastes 3:11 beautifully states:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

Not my time.

His time.

Not when I think I’m ready.

When He knows I’m ready.

The sooner I stop wrestling for control, the sooner I can relax into the peace that God knows what He’s doing.

3. Prayer is the Ultimate Stress Reliever

Let’s be real: Worry never changes an outcome, but prayer does.

Prayer is my go-to survival skill. I pray over everything—my travel plans, my encounters, my career, my friendships, and yes, my future husband, wherever he is right now, possibly binge-watching Netflix without a clue that I’m praying for him.

But if I’m honest? There are moments when the waiting feels heavy.

Some days, I wonder if I’ll ever have the kind of partnership I dream about—the kind where I feel supported, loved, and deeply known. I long for that, and sometimes the waiting aches.

But I also know this: God’s best is worth the wait.

And every time I pray, peace follows. Because prayer isn’t about fixing everything immediately—it’s about aligning my heart with God’s.

4. Delays Aren’t “Wasted Time”—They’re Divine Positioning

Instead of thinking, “Why am I still waiting?” I’m learning to ask, “What is God doing in this delay?”

Maybe I’m not waiting. Maybe I’m being prepared.

5. Peace is a Decision, Not a Feeling

Colossians 3:15 doesn’t say, “Wait until you feel peaceful.” It says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart.”

That means peace isn’t passive—it’s something I actively allow to take charge.

So, when flights get canceled, plans fall through, and I don’t understand what’s happening next, I still have a choice:

• To be anxious or to trust.

• To be restless or to rest in Him.

• To fight for control or to surrender.

And the more I choose peace, the lighter life feels.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Divine Layover

As I watch the storm clouds shift and the waves crash against the shore, I realize something profound:

Peace isn’t about circumstances—it’s about confidence in the One who controls them.

Life will always have detours, delays, and unanswered prayers. But instead of fighting them, what if we embraced them as divine pauses?

Maybe this isn’t just a “waiting period.”

Maybe this is God making sure everything aligns perfectly.

So, as I prepare (hopefully) to board my flight soon, I’m taking this lesson with me:

I don’t want to rush through life trying to force things to happen.

I want to walk in peace, knowing that God’s timing is never late.

Your Turn: What’s Your Divine Layover?

No matter what you’re waiting for—a breakthrough, a relationship, an answered prayer—just remember this:

God’s delays are never wasted time. You are exactly where you’re meant to be.

What’s your waiting story? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how you’ve navigated life’s unexpected delays with faith and (hopefully) a little humor.

Soul Path Insights