Delays On Our Journey

I have been doing a lot more traveling as of late then I ever had. When I am on a trip, I will put in my starting point and then my destination into my google map application. Once I do that, it will tell me my route to take and how long it will take to get to my destination. Once I know how long it will take I do my best to plan everything I do to get to my destination by the time Google says I should get there.

I get bored driving. I will play some music, or listen to homilies to keep me occupied while on my journey. I am always looking at the google map, calculating how much more time do I have. My goal is to get to the end of my journey as quick as possible. However journeys seldom go the way we wish they would.

Life is much the same way. There are things that slow us down from our destination. We are impatient creatures by nature. We want to get where we are going as soon as possible, but there are often things in our lives that slow us down. Let's look at a few.

I. Construction.

Now it seems that many of the main highways I drive are pretty much under eternal construction. But so are our lives. We are under construction, and sometimes the work God is doing in our lives slows us down from the destination.

II. Accidents.

Along the road we can come across accidents that bring traffic to a halt and slow down our progress. Often we are delayed by the accidents or mistakes that others make. Some of you have been hurt by leaders in the Church who have failed the Lord. It seems to have delayed your progress. Remember, God knew it was going to happen and it's a part of what he allows in our lives.

III. Traffic.

As we move down the road of life sometimes traffic can be snarled. People get in our way. People don't cooperate and it causes our lives to be delayed.

IV. Storms.

On our trip we encountered some rain and it slowed us down. The same is true in life. Storms come into our lives that cause us to move more slowly towards our destination.

V. Detours.

Sometimes our own sins and mistakes can cause us to take temporary detours off the main road. Remember, God always has another way to get us back on the route for our lives.

Now if these things are going to slow us down, what is the secret to completing our journey? Let me give you a few suggestions.

1. Anticipate that there will be slowdowns and delays. 

Do not expect life to be always a smooth sailing journey. Accept the fact that there will be delays. Don't be surprised when it happens. Realize that it is all a part of God’s plan.

2. Be patient.

Now this is not easy for me. I am always in a hurry even when I don't need to be. Patience is something we must have in this journey of life. That's why we are told to run with patience the race that is set before us.

3. Keep moving forward.

Follow the course. Don't be dissuaded by the obstacles that slow you down. Forget those things which are behind and press towards the mark.

4. Focus on the destination.

Be excited about where you are heading, not only in this life, but in eternity.

5. Enjoy the trip.

My dad was perhaps the best I ever met at enjoying his journey. Take in the scenery. Enjoy the fellowship of others. Make the trip fun.

So, if you are in one of life's delays right now, don't be discouraged. Don't turn around and go back. Don't get angry. Don't get frustrated. Accept the delay as part of God’s plan in preparing you for what you need to be, once you have arrived at your destination.