Thursday, February 19, 2015

Detours


A detour is defined as "the act of going or travelling to a place along a way that is different from the usual or planned way."  Detours often cause frustration because many people don't like anything different while others like to have anything from a general idea to meticulous details to plan out their day.

The pages of Scripture are full of detours.  From Joseph's trip to Egypt and Daniel's journey to Babylon, detours are a part of life. The detour may simply be a new way to work or something more serious like an unplanned visit to the hospital or a phone call about a loved one.

While the detours are unavoidable, we do have a choice in our response.  We can get angry or we can see the unplanned event from a biblical point of view. Psalm 37:23 makes it clear that "the steps of a man are ordered by the Lord." He already knows where our steps (even in a detour) will take us before we leave for the journey! 

A detour may open a new door of opportunity that will change your life in a way that could not possibly have happened if you had gone the "planned way." 

God never makes mistakes in the lives of those who belong to Him.  As you face your next detour remember David's advice from Psalm 37:1-5:

  • Don't worry or get angry about the situation or the people involved.
  • Trust God and decide to do to what's right because it's the right thing to do.
  • Delight yourself in God's promises and faithfulness.
  • Commit your detour to Him.
The cure for worry is faith in the Lord.
The cure for fear is trusting in the Lord.
The cure for depression is delighting in the Lord.
The cure for concern is committing your way to the Lord. 

"God will make a way, where there seems to be no way.  He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.  He will be my guide and hold me closely by His side.  With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way."  (Don Moen)

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