“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his Love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Recently, due to road construction, I came upon a detour sign that was re-directing traffic to an alternate route. For days, that detour image was plastered in my mind. It caused me to think about the many detours I have experienced during my own life. Like any young girl, the Disney fantasy of marrying, children, and happily ever after was my dream; however, there were detours of divorce and many other disappointments along the way. Just like the detours you may encounter on the highway, life’s detours can also alter your plans, take you out of your way, or delay you in getting to your intended destination. I have discovered that our envisioned destination is not always the destiny God has planned for us. Maybe we are not strong enough to handle what He has purposed for us, so He takes us through an alternate route to be strengthened and tested before reaching our appointed destiny. Dr. Tony Evans, pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and founder of Urban Alternative in Dallas, TX, states, “Development takes time, tests, failure and overcoming. God knows each one of us individually. He knows what we each need in order to develop and strengthen our spiritual muscles and sharpen our spiritual insight and wisdom. More often than not, this requires detours in life to allow us the opportunity to learn, grow and develop.”

How many times have you made plans only to be re-routed by some life event?  How many times have you heard of someone working on a job for years and looking forward to retirement when they were suddenly notified their position was being abolished? How many times have you heard of individuals on top of their game being stricken with a life-threatening health issue? How many times have you heard of parents investing their all into their children and because of one bad decision, their child ended up in trouble or even in jail?

Situations will occur–minor and major; routes will change, but what lesson do we learn when faced with an unfortunate situation? We have to shift our perspective. Every closed door is not a bad thing. You may have been denied the job because God has a better paying job with better benefits awaiting you. The marriage may have ended because they were not the man/woman that was supposed to accompany you in pursuing your destiny. The trouble your child experienced early in life prepared him/her in their adult life and kept them from repeating their mistakes. As stated in Romans 8:28 (NKJV), “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

When life takes you off the familiar path and sends you on a detour, shift your perspective and cultivate joy. I must admit changing your perspective can be very difficult; however, very rewarding. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your steps.”

I pray this post provides a source of encouragement for those who need it. If you know of someone who may be traveling an alternate route, please share.