DETOURS IN LIFE

At some point in our lives, we may find ourselves at a detour, unsure of what path to take, where to turn, or what to do. Trying circumstances overshadow us, leaving us feeling hopeless and confused. We thought we were on the right path, and now uncertainty overcomes us, and we just aren’t as confident as we were yesterday, last week, or last month. How do we navigate when life throws us a detour?

I recall a time, a few years back, when I attended a church service in Highlands, North Carolina. I was visiting my parents and was happy to participate in the church service. While I enjoyed the service, I’ll never forget the visiting Pastor’s words: life gives us roundabouts. Sometimes we are on a journey, and unbeknownst to us, it is a roundabout, a temporary stop on our way to where we are meant to be. At that exact moment, upon hearing those words, I knew the place I was in was my “roundabout.”

What is a roundabout?

For those of you who have never experienced a roundabout, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a roundabout as “a circuitous route, not simple, clear, or plain: long and confusing.” Wikipedia describes a roundabout as “a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. So-called ‘modern’ roundabouts require entering traffic to give way to traffic already in the circle and optimally observe various design rules to increase safety.”

I reside in Central Florida, where you will find roundabouts throughout the region. Drivers must take caution when coming upon a roundabout because “road traffic travels in one direction around a central island, and priority is given to the circulating flow. Signs usually direct traffic entering the circle to slow and to give way to traffic already on it.” It can be confusing if you are not focused on the road ahead.

“Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8 NIV

Life as a roundabout

Life can be much like a roundabout. We are moving forward rather confidently, and all of a sudden, the caution sign alerts us to the traffic circle ahead. If we are not focused, we may get off at the wrong exit or miss our exit altogether, which means we will drive around the traffic circle one more time to exit at the right junction.

Have you ever experienced a time when you missed the turn and ended up driving around in a circle or getting off at the next exit only to circle back? There are many times in my life when I did not surrender to God’s plans, and I missed the exit entirely, leaving me without direction and wasting time. Even today, as I write these words, I start to lose my focus due to emails, phone texts, and other demands on my time (aRLo). However, I know that when I seek God’s way and ask Him to direct my steps, He will guide me. But, and there is always a but, I need to be still and listen.

Detours serve a purpose

As we still ourselves to meditate on God’s Word, we are reminded of His promises. Promises to keep us safe, and to remember that the detours in life are meant to protect us. If we were to ignore the detour and continue driving, we might end up off the road, with our only option to turn around and head back to where we were. Have you experienced a time where you avoided the detour only to discover you were right back where you started? Did you ever stop to think that God has a purpose for the detour?

“The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8 NIV

Follow the detour in faith

Think about Moses. He experienced a 40-year detour! When we are on an alternative route, we never know how long it will take, but I do believe the length of our detour is determined by our obedience, our belief, and our faith. Remember this when you come upon a detour: instead of following the signs, you drive directly into the detour, only to circle back when you run out of road.

Remember Paul? He was detoured for three years before entering Jerusalem. I look back at my life and recall many circumstances in which I thought I was on the right road or getting off at the right exit of the roundabout, only to be redirected. Looking back, I know it was God redirecting my path. Whether it was for protection (and many times, it was for my very own protection) or perhaps God was directing me to something bigger and better.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 NIV

Have you taken any detours lately? Have you come upon any roundabouts? As I enter the traffic circle, I know that my faith in God’s promises will lead me in the right direction and that everything will work out for the good because of my love for Him.

How about you? Where are you headed?