gotta love a detour

When driving down the road, how frustrated do we get when we have to detour? You see people slow down, analyze the options and then finally realize that, yes, the road is truly closed. Once they experience a detour, they can focus on the frustration of being off their planned road or enjoy the new scenery.

We are the same way about our faith. We have a route for heaven and we know all the steps to get there. But what if something stops our progress? A death – divorce – lost job or feeling of despair and we are forced off our original plan. These are the detours we have to bear but often we forget to embrace them as part of the journey.

When God propels you off your plan He is really putting you on His. And if you take time to enjoy the scenery, it isn’t just new billboards, green trees or an unexpected park in the midst of buildings. You will see helping hands, smiling faces and open arms.

Our minds are geared to the end of our journey and we forget to be flexible enough to enjoy each unpredictable step of it.

God doesn’t alter our path in spite or to test us, but to assure us that He is there no matter what path we are on. The easiest way to secure our own path, is to follow His lead. Our path is based on ease and comfort  – predictability and total lack of surprise. God blesses us with challenges and trials – new experiences and, ultimately, well-earned peace.

So next time you think about your faith journey, think of the times you got unexpected blessings, undeserved mercy and unending love. Those are the times you detoured. And what a boring trip it would have been if you had stayed on your own course.