During the Detours

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Alice vividly remembered her annual father-daughter vacation at twelve years old. The excitement of exploring scenic routes with her dad made these trips her favorite tradition. But that year, their journey was riddled with detours. No matter which direction they turned, their planned destinations seemed unreachable.

Frustrated, Alice vented her disappointment. Why was everything going wrong? Her father’s calm response stayed with her: “God’s plan is always so much better than mine.”

Years later, those words echoed in Alice’s mind as she faced an unexpected detour of her own. After college graduation, she planned to teach English in a remote village, a dream she was sure God had placed on her heart. But when the funding fell through, Alice felt confused and heartbroken. Why would God block her path when she was doing something good?

With no clear answer, Alice took a job at a local advertising agency. It wasn’t her dream, but she resolved to trust God through the disappointment. It was there she met an entrepreneur who shared her passion for education in underprivileged areas. Their shared vision sparked love, marriage, and eventually, a family dedicated to improving education worldwide.

Looking back, Alice reflects, “The detour is always worth the wait! I never would have guessed what God was doing back then.”

Sometimes, life’s detours feel like dead ends, but God sees the whole picture. He redirects us not to frustrate us but to lead us into something better than we imagined. Trust that He is working for your good, even in the waiting.

A Prayer for Trust in the Detours
God, help me when life’s detours don’t make sense. I thought I was following Your direction, but now I feel lost and uncertain. Remind me that Your plans are always better than mine. Give me patience and faith to trust Your purpose, even when I can’t see it. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:
What detour in your life are you struggling to understand? Take a moment to ask God for peace and patience as He unfolds His perfect plan for you.

Blessings, Pastor Stephan