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The Burnt Toast Theory
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 KJV).
A friend recently sent me the story below about “The Burnt Toast Theory.” I think it is from an anonymous author. I will put quotations around the part that I received, and then offer a few of my own thoughts after.
“When things don’t go your way…. Last February, I had a flight out of Sydney that was cancelled several minutes after we were asked to get ready for boarding. The airline management announced that their engineer couldn’t get the aircraft to operate.
We were the only passengers left in the terminal. The airport had literally closed for the day already. You probably don’t know this, but Sydney International Airport has a curfew for flights. No aircraft is allowed to fly in and out between 11PM and 6AM.
We were asked to go through immigration again and then proceeded to collect our luggage. After which, we were given Uber vouchers so that we could all go home for the night.
Everyone started to be grumpy. Well, as expected.
But my first thought was to thank God they managed to identify the operational/technical issue of the aircraft before asking us to board and eventually take off.
This is where the Burnt Toast Theory comes in. It suggests that when delays happen or when things don’t go as planned, it could actually be a blessing in disguise. Those major or minor life’s inconveniences might actually be protecting you from something.
Essentially, if you burn your toast in the morning (something challenging happens), the time you spend making another slice may have saved you from a car accident or something bad.
Or maybe it causes you to be late for a meeting, but as you stroll in, you cross paths with someone who will become incredibly meaningful in your life that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s kind of like the universe always has your back.
As what I always tell myself: If you get what you want, that is God’s direction. If you do not get what you want, that is God’s protection. You may not understand His ways, but you just have to trust His will. So, the next time things don’t go your way, always remember that you are being redirected to something better.”
I think this is a great story and raises a very interesting proposition for us all to consider the next time we are inconvenienced. The temptation for some may be to intentionally leave late for a meeting and then “assume” that God has saved them from some unseen tragedy if they had left on time. This approach does little to honor God.
Yes, it is possible that a minor (or major) inconvenience may save us from a tragedy. However, the more likely scenario is that our inconvenience will probably just result in us being late.
Regardless, these times of inconvenience give us the opportunity to view the situation from one of two perspectives. One option is to be irritated that our plans have been changed without our consent. A better option is to be open to the possibility that God has allowed this situation to occur to redirect our focus away from our trivial daily tasks and take a moment to worship Him, without knowing the reason for the inconvenience. Perhaps the reason was to save us from a tragedy or perhaps the reason was for us to stop and say, “God, I am not sure why this has happened, but I trust you and know that something good will come from this at the Perfect time and place.” The lens by which we view the situation will determine our thoughts about the situation. As for me, I will try to be intentional to use a Christ-based lens rather than a me-based lens to view all situations.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for the times of inconvenience. Help us to use these times to remember that You are in control, and we are so very blessed that You are indeed in control. Amen.
Meet the Author
Todd Shupe is a Certified Lay Minister and Men’s Ministry Specialist through Francis Asbury Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA. He is a Board Member for Gulf South Men, an Action Team member for The Kingdom Group, and a Board Member for the Lagniappe Country Walk to Emmaus. Todd is a contributor to Project XII and Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. He is a Past President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and remains active in this and many other local, regional, and international ministries. Additionally, he’s the author of the inspiring book “Fathering A Special Needs Child.” Todd also enjoys filling the pulpit to share the Good News of our Lord and Savior. Todd is the proud father of Emma and Kyle and resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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