We were expecting to arrive in New Orleans at 7:03. Our 5 pm flight consistently was moved. One after another announcement continued to push the flight back until after 11 pm. The weather was insane when we left and even after the rain stopped, it moved to other areas prolonging our departure. By the time we landed, we had to wait over an hour for a taxi. Initially, I selected a Ride Share app but the prices were ridiculous. My exhaustion was compounded with frustration. At 2 am, we finally arrived at the hotel.
With just a few hours of sleep, it was time to get up for the New Orleans Book Festival. I was so blessed to have met so many amazing individuals, discussed my book to a full room and spent time with close friends. After going through storms and turbulence, God showed up and showed out. I’ve come to the realization that often distractions come in our lives to get us off track so that we miss the move of God.
Storms happen in our lives and sometimes the rain comes so fast and furious that we can’t see our way. I know that in my past, I would have tried to find another way instead of trusting God to work it out. In the past, I might have rented a car and driven from the DFW area to New Orleans. The old me could not stand the uncertainty of waiting on others to make a decision about my future. Over time, I have come to understand that there is purpose in everything, even when it doesn’t appear that way immediately. I know this to be true: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).
Had I allowed my frustration to overwhelm me, I could have made a poor decision to do something drastic in my need for control. I couldn’t control the weather, the flight, or the taxi situation but I could make a decision to trust God. I chose patience over panic.
There are so many situations that we’ve witnessed on the news or social media of individuals allowing their anger, fear, and need for control to ultimately cost them their freedom. What would have happened if they made a choice to remain silent, use wisdom and sought to understand?
We don’t hear a lot about the pursuit of patience but I recognize that so much time in our lives is dedicated to waiting. We wait in traffic. We wait at the doctor’s office or for games, concerts, etc. to start. Life is filled with moments of waiting. It’s what we do in those moments that determine our outcome. “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:25) Maybe some of our lives would look different if we waited on God instead of trying to do things on our own.
I’ve learned that waiting isn’t the worse thing to happen. I’ve asked God to order my steps because I know that I can’t see every part of my journey but God does. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24 KJV) Things will go wrong and they often do, that doesn’t mean that God isn’t in control or that God will not be with you or me through it.
Yellow lights have a reason. It’s a warning to know that we need to slow down and yield. Is it possible that what could be viewed as a roadblock could be designed for something greater, even something that is ultimately for our good and benefit? I could have missed one of the best opportunities of my life if I had chosen to do something rash.
There is purpose in patience. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him….” (Psalm 37:7a)
Allow God to blow your mind as you wait on Him!
Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew is the CEO of Soulstice Consultancy and the founder of the Reconciliation and Restoration Foundation (r2fdn.org). She is the author of four books including Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy (Baylor University Press, 2022) and the host of the Tapestry podcast.
