Life’s setbacks often lead to unexpected growth, guiding us toward a greater, more fulfilling purpose
Life often unfolds in ways we do not expect. Plans fall through, opportunities slip away, and the path we envisioned for ourselves suddenly disappears. In such moments, frustration, disappointment, and even despair may take hold. However, what seems like a setback or an unfortunate delay often turns out to be a divine redirection—a guiding force steering us toward something far greater than we had imagined.
The concept of divine redirection suggests that the universe, or a higher power, orchestrates delays not as obstacles but as necessary interventions to align us with our true purpose. Whether we view it through the lens of spirituality, destiny, or personal growth, delays often carry hidden blessings, revealing their significance only in hindsight.
A real-life example of this occurred on January 5, 2024, aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The flight was traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, with 171 passengers on board. While it was halfway to its cruising altitude, a portion of the aircraft—including two passenger seats—blew out mid-flight. Despite the horrifying event, all 171 passengers and crew members survived. However, what makes this even more astonishing is the fact that those two specific seats were unoccupied.
When the two passengers who were originally assigned to those seats were later interviewed, they both revealed that they had accidentally missed their flight. They had been upset at the time, believing they had faced an unfortunate delay. Yet, in reality, they were unknowingly saved from what could have been a tragic fate.
This incident perfectly aligns with an interesting concept known as the Burnt Toast Theory. This theory suggests that small inconveniences—such as burning your toast in the morning and needing to make another one—might be the very thing that saves you from a brutal accident or puts you in the right place at the right time to meet someone who will change your life forever. It highlights the idea that delays are not punishments but hidden blessings, guiding us toward something better or protecting us from unseen harm.
Humans have an inherent desire to control their lives, meticulously planning each step. We set timelines for success, relationships, and personal achievements, expecting events to unfold according to our schedules. Yet, life operates on its own divine timing, one that is often beyond our comprehension. When things do not go as planned, it is easy to perceive delays as failures.
Delays also serve as a shield, protecting us from unseen dangers. A failed relationship might save us from years of emotional turmoil. A missed opportunity might prevent us from entering a situation that would have been toxic or unfulfilling. There are countless anecdotes of people missing flights that later experienced tragic accidents, or individuals being rejected from jobs that ultimately led them to more fulfilling careers. These moments remind us that sometimes what seems like disappointment is, in reality, divine protection.
But beyond protection, delays often serve as periods of preparation. They allow us to develop the skills, mindset, and resilience necessary for what lies ahead. A young artist facing years of rejection may be refining their craft for the moment they finally break through. A failed business venture might be the experience needed before an entrepreneur finds their true calling. Many times, we think we are ready for something when, in reality, we need more growth before we can fully embrace it. One of the hardest lessons in life is learning to trust the journey, especially when things are not going according to plan. Many spiritual traditions emphasise the importance of surrendering to a higher plan. In Hinduism, the belief in karma and dharma suggests that every soul follows a destined path, encountering challenges and delays as part of its spiritual evolution. In Christianity, faith in God’s plan is a recurring theme, with the belief that all things work together for good. Similarly, Buddhism teaches the concept of impermanence, reminding us that setbacks and delays are not permanent obstacles but part of life’s natural rhythm.
Instead of resisting delays, embracing them with trust allows us to move forward with peace rather than frustration. It transforms our perspective—rather than asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we begin to ask, “What is this trying to teach me?”During periods of delay, we often experience self-doubt and impatience. However, rather than viewing waiting as wasted time, we can see it as an opportunity for growth. Journaling, meditation, and spiritual practices can help us uncover the lessons hidden within the waiting period. Perhaps a delay is pushing us to heal unresolved wounds, develop new skills, or shift our mindset. When we embrace the waiting period as a time for transformation, we begin to see its deeper significance.
Many people who achieved great success later in life often reflect that they are grateful for the delays they experienced. They recognise that had success come earlier, they would not have been ready for it. The hardships, the waiting, and the rejections were all preparing them for something greater.
So every time life puts a pause on our plans, instead of reacting with frustration, we can choose to trust that a greater plan is unfolding. The Burnt Toast Theory reminds us that even the smallest inconveniences may be the universe’s way of shifting us toward a better path. That missed bus, that delayed meeting, that rejection—each one might be a divine redirection leading us to something extraordinary. So the next time you feel like you are facing a failure, trust the process. You are either being protected or being propelled toward something far greater than you can see.
—She is a Life Coach and Founder of Soulful Wellness
