What the Lord has in Store?

20140714_203434I’m waiting in the airport terminal for a Red Eye flight to Houston. It takes off in twelve hours.

That’s right. I arrived five hours ago, but I’m traveling standby and the flights are full.

Is this a joke?

This morning, my Facebook status said: “Going to a She Speaks conference in North Carolina; can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store.”

Is this what the Lord had in store for me?

Not what I imagined. Nor what I desire, but it is what it is.

I always told my kids to make lemonade out of lemons.  Okay, Karen, start squeezing.

I have a Bible, a reading book, a laptop. What more do I need?

But I want to do more than fill empty space, or count down the minutes.

What would the Lord have me learn in this situation?

Patience? Flexibility? Humor?

I’m not laughing.

I arrived three hours early for my flight so I could drive a friend of mine to catch her flight. She’s sipping water now at 35,000 feet. Where’s her faith lesson?

Sorry Lord, my eyes went horizontal.

Normally, when I travel alone, I pray to  view people through God’s eyes so I might offer a word of encouragement.

I ask for ears to hear His voice. Never know when He’s going to impress some truth upon my heart.

In answer to those prayers, I have experienced indescribable God moments that assure me–He’s real and present even in the most absurd situations.

However, I know previous epiphanies don’t mean I’ll witness the Lord in action today.

Perhaps I’ll sit here, idle and killing time, with nothing to show for it. I’ll board the plane at the end of the day, weary and confused.

Really, Lord? Was it necessary for me to miss my flight? I was going to this conference to learn how to speak for you.

My flesh says “such is life.” Bad things happen. If waiting for a Red Eye flight is the worst thing that happens today, no problem.

My heart observes life with an eternal perspective.

I believe that nothing is wasted…not even sitting in an airport terminal for umpteen hours…if it increases my faith or I can be used by God.

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1st Thessalonians 5:18

I glance at my fellow road warriors who are waiting on delayed flights. What is their perspective? Does grumbling change a thing?

For me, the bottom line isn’t what happens to me, but how I respond.

Sitting in the airport isn’t my first choice, but while I’m here, I’ll make the best of it.

And ask the Lord to teach me no matter the cost.

Even in this.

Author: Karen Foster

I'd like to say I've changed, but after decades of living, I still have the same four passions. My relationship with Jesus, spending time with family, attending live theater, and writing devotions & first-person stories about a loving, faithful God who reveals Himself in our every day circumstances.

16 thoughts on “What the Lord has in Store?”

  3. This once again was exactly what I needed to read. Thank you. You’ve been on my heart. Lord, teach me no matter the cost! xo mary

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    1. Mary, thank you for sharing. The Lord knows what we need to read or hear to be encouraged and have a better understanding of His character so we can become like Christ. So I’m glad you were blessed.
      However, the Lord also knows what I needed to learn in order to write those words. Have to live what I write. If you thought waiting 24 hours to get to my destination was fun, wait till you read about my return trip home. I hope I remember what I learned at the conference to hone my skills, but I’ll never forget the lessons I learned while traveling.

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  4. I admire your patience. That’s one thing you’ve learned from our Savior… not from me! Happy journey from now on. Blessings and love and a quicker journey home!

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    1. I think patience is a learned virtue. We can think we’re patient, but unless we’re stretched and tested….we don’t really know.
      My flight home was smooth except I still had to wait another four others before I could drive home. But that’s another blog….:)

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  5. I love the line, “Sorry Lord, my eyes went horizontal.” That’s priceless…but so true. May your trip be glorifying to Him, no matter how many hours you wait….you’re waiting on Him!

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    1. Thank you Susan, this trip truly was a major lesson on waiting. Funny how our ordinary circumstances can teach us about the Lord. This was one more lesson about walking out my days with Him, and with His perspective.

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  8. You will be a blessing to someone who needs it…even just your warm smile can sweeten the stress for someone. The counter agent…the janitor…the porter…the barista…that woman sitting all alone…you’ll be used to glorify Him. Maybe you won’t even know it, but He will. Safe travels to you, friend! 😘

    Sent from my iPad

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    1. I hope it’s not the barista when I’m getting a cup of coffee because that will mean I’m here when the sun rises. HA Thanks for the well wishes. I think I’ll take a walk around the airport.

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