Detours

 by Macy Johnson

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.”

(Matthew 6:33 NIV)

 

I read a devotional about a writer who ran for public office in her community. She lost the race and was despondent. All her year-long plans to help others crumbled. As she slipped into depression, she sought counsel and thus discovered new ways to serve.

 

The devotional writer realized Jesus had unique plans for her service in His kingdom. He took her on a few detours to help her find His way. Detours from God always remain with His boundaries. Boundaries are barriers of protection provided by God for His people.

 

“The western boundary is the coastline of the Great Sea.

These are the boundaries

around the people of Judah by their clans”

(Joshua 15:12 NIV)

 

The following prayer explains the struggle when faced with a detour: “Lord, life’s changes are never easy, and they can get scary. There are times when I wonder where I am headed, how I will know when I get there, and if anybody will be there to greet me when I arrive. I draw strength from the certainty that, no matter what else changes in my life, You are forever unchanging.” (excerpt from Prayers from the Heart)

 

During the Christmas season I remembered a detour Joseph was forced to take. He planned to marry Mary, but her unexpected pregnancy tossed a monkey wrench into the works. His plans had to take another route. Despite ridicule and rejection, Joseph obediently took the first step on God’s detour, then the next, and the next. What a blessing it was to be the earthly father of his heavenly Father’s only Son!

 

I will cheerfully accept detours that help me to stay within the boundaries of God’s kingdom. I hope you will, too!