Steve Nelson

The flight has been delayed.” As the announcement came over the loudspeaker system, my wife, Samantha, and I looked at each other and we both gave a deep sigh. We were already tired, and now our 12-hour flight was going to be delayed another three hours.

If there is one thing I like less than waiting in airports, it's airplanes with mechanical trouble. The next announcement told us of just that very thing, “We are sorry to announce that the plane is experiencing mechanical difficulty with the hydraulic system, but a part needed to fix the problem is on its way.” 

As I sat there, my mind pictured what parts of the plane would possibly use hydraulics. The brakes, wing flaps and just about everything necessary to keep this plane in the air or landing safely.

Soon another announcement was made. “Flight xxxx has been canceled. All passengers must make their way back to the baggage terminal check-in for flight reassignment.”

Quickly there was a mad scurry as hundreds of passengers rushed their way back out of the terminal. Each person with the same all consuming thought, I need to be first in line.

As we passed near the security exit, we asked an agent which way it was to the baggage terminal for our airline. He directed us to turn left just past the security area. As we turned to the left, we noticed only a small line and just one person ahead of us waiting to speak to the agent. As I looked across the terminal I saw a long line of passengers standing in front of another counter and I wondered why we were in this line and not the other.

The agent asked the woman in front of us how she could help her and the woman told the agent she was on the flight that had just been canceled, to which the agent replied, “you will need to go across the terminal and get in the other line.” We watched the woman leave and expected the same response. “How can I help you, the agent asked?” “We were on a flight to Norway and the flight was canceled,” I said. She looked at us and then said, “You can stay here, and the agent will help you schedule another flight.”

I almost didn’t believe what we had heard. But, in a few minutes we were rescheduled to our destination in time. Because of the delay, the airlines rescheduled us to stay at a local hotel for the night. As we rode in the shuttle, another passenger told us that he regularly stays in this city on business, and of all the hotels in the area was one of the nicest.

It has been said that, “God is seldom early but never late.” I have to say in my experience this is often the case. Even now, I am still amazed how God worked everything out, even down to the finest detail. Philippians 4:19 says,“My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” 

Next time you may be wondering if God really cares about the little details of your life, remember a canceled flight. I can assure he's in all the details.

(Steve Nelson served as pastor at Seventh Day Adventist Church in Powell. He has recently transferred and this will be his last column.)