We make our plans. And then life happens. Perhaps roads were blocked outside of our control. Or maybe we simply have to face the consequences of our own choices. Either way, we often find ourselves traveling down many unexpected detours of life. We must learn to live by faith and trust God is still guiding us to where we need to be.
Of course, part of our wise stewardship includes ordering our life in such a way that our strength can be a vehicle of love in the world around us. And naturally it’s disappointing when our plans seem thwarted, especially when it’s the result of our own sin or poor choices. It’s one thing to face setbacks outside of our control, but it’s hard to forgive ourselves when our detour could’ve been prevented.
In any case, such detours do not have to be a point of despair. While it’s true we cannot go back, this doesn’t mean there’s no redemption on the path forward.
For instance, a blown interview, broken trust in marriage, or even a natural disaster might put us on a path we did not originally intend. And we would do well to grieve our loss – the fact we no longer have our original plan. All the same, we grieve in hope.
Who knows what new opportunities might come our way by not getting that job. Likewise, we might have a deeper appreciation for our marriage after trust has been rebuilt. And deeper bonds of love in our community might be forged in the aftermath of a disaster.
Of course, these are still not journeys we want to take. But we don’t have to let these detours take us out either. We can live in hope – confidently looking for God’s new mercies down every path we take.
In the end, life often brings us down many unexpected detours. Live in hope – trusting God is bringing you where you need to be regardless of the twists and turns that might come your way.
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