Recently, I was on a trip on a very busy road in Houston, when suddenly, I was halted by a detour. Initially, the detour was an unwelcomed interruption. It was particularly distressing for me, because I was already under a time constraint, which meant, I would definitely be late for an important appointment.
My experience on that detour, brought to mind the significance of detours or roadblocks, as we cruise the routes of life.
There is always a tendency, to overlook the importance of a detour like I did, but we humans, must welcome detours as God’s way of making a way for us, where there is none. A detour is a temporary deviation, that is destined to re-connect us, ultimately back on the right route.
The best way to deal with a detour, is not to grumble, fret, or give up, but to patiently and vigilantly, follow the road signs, that will eventually lead one back on the freeway.
Many people believe that detours are unnecessary inconveniences, planted by the devil, to frustrate us humans, and sidetrack us from the course of destiny. As I ponder this, I recall the fact that detours are mandatory, and necessary sometime or another, as we ply the route of life.
I know for a fact that detours, sometimes, are God’s way of taking us through the Godly route, to our eternal destination. An example of such a detour in my case, was the one I was compelled to take, because of God’s boundless love for me.
For years, I had been travelling on the way that seemed right to me, without necessarily having a defined destination. God, through his abundant love and mercy, re- routed my trip, because He knew that ultimately, that road will end in destruction. The bible says in Proverbs 14:12 that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”
Initially, the detour was a rough and unpaved diversion from my “smooth self routed trip” to nowhere. My immediate response to the detour, is a common one which I am sure many of us make as a matter of reflex. However, in this case, this detour was necessary, because I was lost in my sins, on the broad way of destruction. God’s love reached out, and pulled me unto the paths of righteousness. His relentless love knew no bounds, as He.gave His only begotten son, as ransom for my sins. It was a love that defied the grave, and the pits of hell. It was one strong enough, to be resurrected on the third day, to give me life. It was the love of Jesus, my savior, my friend and my one true love.
Many people go the wrong way, in search of perfect love, because they lack the understanding of what love really is.
The God kind of love, is not love based on affection. It is more than sentimentality, and certainly more than romantic attraction. So often, we mistake "feelings" for love, and we therefore look to man, for that which God alone can offer.
Detours are temporary not permanent. If we keep our gaze on the road signs, in this case Jesus, He will lead us on the way of truth and life, that will definitely take us into the Kingdom of God.
Regardless of the detour, or how long or complicated the journey, we will always find our way back on the right route.
Remember that Jesus already carved and made the way. The circumstances of life may tend to bring us to a roadblock, but the mark of the blood of Jesus cannot be erased, on the road to our heavenly destination.
Let us continue to fix our gaze on him, and look for the blood stains, even in the midst of all our pain and suffering. He is right there and will never leave nor forsake us
I liked this story so much that I printed it and took it to church today. You have special God given talent.
By the way - I have new poems on my website one may be just what you need to hear to bring you some cheer.
Always with JC,
JM
Thanks and God Bless,
D. Scott Arant