Detour Ahead

John 4:1-4

“The Pharisees heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more followers than John, although Jesus himself did not baptize people, but his followers did. Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard about him, so he left Judea and went back to Galilee. But on the way he had to go through the country of Samaria.”

D E T O U R    ||    A H E A D

Doesn’t that sound familiar? I feel like too many of us can relate..

We have all experienced driving through a beautiful road to get to our destination only to be confronted with a large sign that says “ROAD CLOSED, FOLLOW THE DETOUR SIGNS”. 

And by following those signs, we are brought again to the smooth road.

... life is very much like that.  

But I am here to tell you: CONSIDER IT PURE JOY!

[ Every detour has a reason. ]

We aren't prepared with a map of life telling us where we will encounter detours.. We don’t plan them! One day you’re fine, the next day you’re in the hospital.. One day your house is fine, the next day it’s flooded. 

They appear sudden and without warning! 

That is where faith steps in.. We must trust and believe that the one and only God will come through.

There were various routes that Jesus could have taken to get from Judea to Galilee, but by choosing to go through Samaria, I believe he knew he would have an important meeting with the Samaritan woman. (Although Jewish people were not friends with Samaritans).

Seldom do we know the length of the detour..

On the highway, we follow detour signs without knowing how long it is going to be.. in life, we don’t know how long we will have to suffer, but we are hopeful that at any moment, we will be back on the main highway.

I don’t believe I have ever seen a good detour road, most are rough and winding.. They always take you out of your way and delay your arrival to your destination. They must always be traveled slow and careful. Just like life, they require great patience.

The indirect routes that life brings us to are often the reason for the journey! Hmm, ever thought of it that way..? They’re not a distraction at all!

If it feels like you’re in an unplanned detour right now, BE ENCOURAGED!

God knows exactly where you are. He has something special for you...

Calm My Heart, If Not My Storm...

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

Life is a combination of highs and lows; mountain tops and valley views... we always seem to be traveling somewhere.

Of course, there are those sporadic and temporary moments in which we are to be still... but believe it or not, they are still moments of forward progress!

"The act of inaction, in order to wait upon the Lord, IS STILL ACTION."

Action includes OBEDIENCE. Our forward motion includes the process of learning God's will along the way... and here comes the slap in the face ... CONFORMING to it.

Our journey as Christians will be a challenge no matter which direction we travel, or what our destination may be. In case you forgot, the plans for an "easy life" got destroyed by Adam and Eve. Thankfully, God's GRACE prevailed when he decided to hold on to us by sending us His Son to deliver us!

The Son of God by no means had an easy journey. Just like us, He had unforgettable moments of joy, but the sufferings He endured were a part of his journey too. Jesus experienced the same ups and downs we experience in life! We are not in this alone, friends.

Trials are given to teach us important life lessons. They are sent our way to build up our spiritual character.
Without doubt, difficult times are meant to strengthen us. They develop in us the NECESSARY perseverance needed for much more difficult times later on. Don't take them for granted! Too many of us make that mistake...

For a very long time I felt like my storm continued to rage on... but boy there was a reason He didn't calm my waters. I would not be the person I am today.
Let that be an encouragement for you today! Ask your Father to calm your heart instead, and give you the courage and perseverance to continue on your journey.

I will forever be gratified by Your GRACE, Lord. So very thankful.

"In this world you will have trouble, but TAKE HEART, I have overcome the world!"