08/05/2026
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of taking a group to the Georgia Baptist Children's Home. We enjoyed touring the campus, learning about the incredible ministry taking place there, and hearing firsthand from someone who serves those children every day. It was a blessing to see how God is changing lives through that ministry.
Then came the ride home...
About an hour outside of Baxley, the church bus suddenly decided it was tired. Without any warning, the engine shut off and we were stuck sitting in the middle of the highway. Thankfully, the Jeff Davis Sheriff's Department arrived quickly to direct traffic until a tow truck could get there. Richard Purvis also dropped everything he was doing, came and got us, and made sure everyone got home safely.
On Monday, the mechanic discovered the problem wasn't anything major at all. A safety switch had somehow flipped. It's designed to shut off the fuel pump if the bus experiences an impact. And before anyone makes a comment, my driving wasn't that bad!
How often can life feel exactly like that bus ride? We are moving along, everything seems to be going according to plan, and then all of a sudden, without warning, something causes us to come to a complete stop. A health diagnosis. A financial setback. A broken relationship. A disappointment. A change of plans we never expected.
In those times, we have a choice. We can allow the interruption to become the entire story, or we can remember everything God has already done and continue trusting Him with what comes next.
Looking back, none of us remember the trip as "the day the bus broke down." We remember the laughter, the conversations, the fellowship, and seeing a ministry that is making an eternal difference in children's lives. The breakdown became nothing more than a part in a much bigger story.
James reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness” (James 1:2-3). He wasn't saying difficulties are enjoyable. He was reminding us that God is still working, even when our plans come to a sudden stop.
Sometimes God allows interruptions to teach us patience. Sometimes He uses them to remind us how much we need other people. Sometimes they become a chance to see His provision through the kindness of others. And sometimes they simply remind us that our plans are not His.
The next time your "bus" unexpectedly stops, don't let the interruption steal your joy or cause you to miss what God is doing around you. The delay may only be a small part of the journey, but God's faithfulness is present through every mile.
After all, sometimes the best stories begin with, "Well, I was planning to do . . . and then!"
