Detours
Scripture Reading — Acts 9:1-19
Many are the plans in a human heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
Sometimes in our travels—even just across town—we get diverted by detours. Major construction blocks the way we intended to go. On a long trip this can be confusing and frustrating—or, if we try to make the best of it, we can take the opportunity to discover an area we haven’t visited before.
Many of us have had to take a detour in our life’s journey. Maybe you had to relocate, or an accident left a family member disabled. Or maybe a spouse passed away, or a lay-off redirected you to more schooling and a whole new career.
Our verse from Proverbs for today is true to life’s experiences. Moses intended to remain a shepherd in the land of Midian, but God revealed that he had chosen him to be a shepherd of Israel (Exodus 3). Paul (Saul) had every intention of persecuting Christians, but God wanted him to plant churches for Christ throughout the Roman world. Jesus’ own disciples misunderstood his mission and wanted him to take over as King (Acts 1:6), but God had other plans: to have Jesus rule over all things in heaven while his Spirit fills believers—us!—to bring the good news of salvation everywhere (see John 16:5-15; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:18-23).
If you’re in the midst of some kind of detour right now, may it help you discover the Lord’s purpose for you today.
Lord, you move in mysterious ways. Grant us faith, hope, courage, and strength to travel well and to trust you, no matter what roads we are on. Amen.
About the author — Gerrit J. Bomhof
Gary Bomhof is pastor of First Christian Reformed Church, Red Deer, Alberta. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, have four children and five grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!