Destinations and Distractions: A Traveler’s Reflection from Bengaluru Airport

Signs pointing to your destination

How to Stay Focused on God’s Purpose in a World Full of Distractions

I recently traveled to Bahrain from Bengaluru’s Terminal 2, and I have to say—it’s an architectural masterpiece. Bright lights, lush greenery, hanging gardens, and a seamless blend of luxury and nature make it one of the most stunning airports I’ve ever been to.

But then comes the real challenge—getting to your gate.

And it’s not because the walk is long, but because the route is strategically designed to slow you down.

Beautifully done up airport

Once you clear immigration, you're suddenly faced with a maze of temptations—duty-free stores, high-end coffee, bookstores, gourmet food stalls, and indulgent spas, all whispering, “You have time, just take a look!”

Normally, I’d fall for it all—after all, isn’t that what makes airport travel fun?

But this time was different. It was Day 4 of our community chain fasting prayer, and that reminded me to stay focused.

Speaking of distractions, I found this hilarious image a guy literally hanging from a croissant!

And that got me thinking…

Destinations and Distractions in Life

Just like an airport journey has a destination, so does our life in Christ.

God has a purpose for each of us:

✔ Things He wants us to do.

✔ Habits He wants us to build. ✔ Places He wants us to go.

✔ And ultimately, our eternal hope of being with Christ forever.

But on the way, we face distractions—not unlike the carefully curated ones in the airport.

Life’s Distraction Maze

Much like an airport’s slow travel trap, life is filled with things that delay and derail us:🛑 Self-centeredness – Losing sight of God’s greater calling.

🛑 Impulsiveness – Making decisions without seeking God’s wisdom.

🛑 Bitterness – Holding on to past hurts instead of moving forward.

🛑 Worries & Anxieties – Letting fear dictate our choices.

🛑 Performance Pressures – Feeling the need to “keep up” with others.

🛑 Comparison Game – Measuring ourselves against someone else’s journey.

But just like a smart traveler, we need to remind ourselves: "I have a place to be. I have things to do."

Paul captures this perfectly in Philippians 3:13-14:"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Distractions look good, but the destination is greater.

Navigating Life’s Journey: Lessons from the Airport

✈ 1. No matter how distracted I get, there is a way back for me through the Cross.

At airports, you’ll see directional signs and maps guiding passengers who’ve wandered off-track. No matter how far you go, there’s always a way back.

In our spiritual lives, we may get lost, distracted, or delayed, but Jesus always provides a way back.

📖 Isaiah 30:21 – "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’"

📖 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

No matter how far we’ve strayed, God’s grace redirects us back to Him.

✈ 2. When I walk with God, I will get to my purpose. It’s important for me to learn to hear His voice.

Have you ever missed an important announcement at the airport because you were distracted? The PA system might be calling your name, telling you it’s time to board, but you’re too busy scrolling on your phone.

God speaks to us in gentle nudges—through His Word, wise counsel, and even life’s circumstances—but are we listening?

📖 John 10:27 – "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

📖 Hebrews 5:14 – "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Spiritual maturity comes when we train ourselves to hear God’s voice above the noise

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✈ 3. Through it all, there is a destination waiting for me, and I need to get there.

A traveler who keeps their boarding pass in hand and their eyes on the gate number is much more likely to reach their flight on time.

Similarly, we are called to stay the course, knowing that our final destination is worth every sacrifice and challenge.

📖 Hebrews 6:12 – "We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."

📖 2 Timothy 4:7 – "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

The eternal reward is far greater than any distraction we face today.

How Do We Stay on Course? Stay Connected.

One of the best ways to stay on course is to stay connected to fellow travelers—Jesus' body, the Church.

Just like seasoned travelers help first-time flyers navigate airports, walking with other disciples keeps us from getting lost.

📖 Hebrews 10:24-25 – "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another."

A strong community helps us:

✔ Stay accountable.

✔ Be reminded of God’s truth.

✔ Get back on track when we stumble.

If you're looking to grow deeper in faith and stay focused, surround yourself with fellow travelers who will help you reach your destination.

As I made my way to my boarding gate, resisting the tempting distractions, I reminded myself:

✅ I have a place to be.

✅ I have things to do.

✅ I need to stay focused.

The same applies to our faith journey.

God has set a course for us. There are always distractions that try to pull us away, but we must press on—because the destination is worth it.

What distractions do you need to let go of today?

What truth do you need to hold onto to keep moving forward?

💬 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts below or connect with a faith community near you.