A few weeks ago, Jamie and I were driving home at the end of a long day. Actually, it had been three long days, and we were both tired and crabby and ready to go home.
To get to our house from the city, you have to drive through this very long valley. It’s about a thirty-mile stretch along a dam. People who visit us often comment on how LOOONG this stretch is and that there is no cell phone service.
Well, we were driving on this road, and we were about 15 minutes from home when we came across some PP&L trucks blocking the road. Apparently, a giant tree fell across the road and onto some power lines. It would be hours before the road was open again.
We were ticked!!!
Why didn’t they set up a roadblock when you first entered the valley?
We were almost home, and now we had to turn around, drive all the way back down the valley, and take a detour over another mountain to get home.
Instead of getting home in 15 minutes, it would take 1 1/2 hours on the detour.
We were not happy AT ALL. In fact, it was quite the opposite.
But yet, what were we going to do?
We had no option but to turn around and take the detour.
That’s how it is sometimes in life—even when you don’t want to, you just have to put on your big girl pants and take the detour.
It happens when driving, and sometimes it happens in life.
For instance, as I’m writing this, I’m processing a personal detour where God rerouted my carefully laid out plans.
Ironically, it happened right after I spent some time in prayer asking God to show us what He wanted us to do about a particular area.
Within areas, we received some news I didn’t want to hear.
DETOUR!!!
An unexpected expense that was not on my agenda has rerouted all of my plans.
My first reaction was just like my reaction to the fallen tree: You’ve got to be kidding. I don’t want to do this. I had a plan. This stinks!
My second reaction was to remember that I prayed. I asked God for His direction. This was His answer.
So what do you do: You fasten your seatbelt and follow God on His detour.
And I’m trying to do it with a good attitude knowing that God’s ways have ALWAYS been best for me. No matter how surprising or out of the way or how much I’ve objected to God’s detours in the past, they have always worked out for my good.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Perhaps today, you, too, are facing a detour.
Can I encourage you to take this same attitude?
When God reroutes your plans, go with it.
Take the detour. Do what God wants you to do.
Try your best to trust that God has a plan even if you don’t see it and even if it interrupts your plan.
Buckle up, put some good music on the radio, and enjoy the ride because God’s detours are always for your good.
Now I have to deal with my unexpected detour. Have a great day!
Adessa Holden is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God specializing in Women's Ministry. Together with her brother, Jamie, they manage 4One Ministries and travel the East Coast speaking, holding conferences, and producing Men's and Women's resources that provide practical Biblical teaching for everyday life.
When asked about herself, she'll tell you "I'm a women's minister, a sister, and a daughter. I love to laugh and spend time with people. My favorite things are chocolate, the ocean, sandals and white capris, anything purple, summertime and riding in the car listening to music. It is my absolute honor and privilege to serve Jesus and women through this ministry."
