“It’s just like a bump in the road.”

That is how Mom described the turbulence on a plane the first time we flew together.

Her description calmed me.  

Now at 49, flying solo to the She Speaks Studio in North Carolina, it was the pilot who calmed my fears when we hit some unexpected bumps in the road.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the tower has reported that all the planes in the area are experiencing greater turbulence than normal.  But we should be out of it in approximately 10-15 minutes and then there will be smooth skies after that until we reach our destination.”

Wouldn’t it be helpful if all of the bumps we experience in life came with some narration like that ? Maybe we would face difficulties head on if we knew that they might only last 10 minutes and there were clear skies ahead.

But the author of our lives tells us to be prepared for the bumps in the road.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”  John 16:33

We may not know the details about how many bumps in the road we will experience on life’s journey, but we are assured that He is with us.

“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  Exodus 33:14

Sometimes we are not sure who we can turn to when we face these challenges, but you can always find safety in His presence.

“You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.”  Job 11:18

Sisters, the bumps in the road we each face may be different.  Some may last longer than others, some may run deeper. But if you seek Him, He will navigate you through each one, never leaving your side.  

Knowing Him empowers us to embrace this truth: we are never alone, never unloved.

And when life becomes turbulent, you can say with confidence,

“It’s just like a bump in the road.”  

Amen.