a devine detour: the long road

We have all heard or experienced similar stories. You are traveling on a road and all of a sudden something happens. It could be a flat tire, a fussy child, or a misguided GPS.

Whatever it may be, it frustrates us because it was not in our original plan. And so, we pull over, stop at a gas station, or make a u-turn and end up back on our merry way. As we travel down the road a little farther, we see it….an accident. As we consider our travels and the timing, we realize that we could have very easily been involved in the situation had we not had a divine detour. Our frustration soon turns to adoration.

As the Israelites had lived in captivity, the time had come for God to lead them out of slavery and toward the Promised Land. Everyone would assume that God would lead them on a direct path to the place for which they had been longing, after all that they had been through.

However, we learn in Exodus 13:17-22, that was not the case.
“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though it was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, ‘If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God lead them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.’” Exodus 13:17-18a

We have to shift our perspective to see His plan as a divine detour.

1. A long route or delay in His timing could be His blessing. God knew that the people couldn’t handle any more hardship at the moment and if they had to face something frustrating at that particular time they might turn around and return to Egypt. He knew that the long road would not be their choice, but He knew what was best for them in the long run. Many times we can become frustrated by the time it is taking for a prayer to be answered or a door to be opened. We should pray for patience through the detours to know that God could be blessing us by His delay.

2. A difficult battle or trial could be happening to display His glory. As the story in Exodus progresses, we see that God takes them on the long route, but they end up trapped with the Red Sea in front of them and the Egyptians closing in behind them.

“But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” Exodus 14:13 Most of us know how the story proceeds in that God parted the water for the Israelites and destroyed the Egyptian army when the waters receded. There was no one else who could receive
credit for this victory, other than the Lord. His glory was displayed by the power of His miracle and the salvation of the Israelite people.

3. An impossible situation could be used to strengthen your faith. While the people of Israel should have had a strong faith after being set free from bondage and watching all the plagues unfold, God continued to strengthen their faith through His provision and plan. “When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the Lord had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before Him. They put their faith in the Lord and in his servant Moses.” Exodus 14:31 The people saw God’s power once again and their faith was strengthened. They put their faith completely in the Lord and in His servant, Moses. God could be using an impossible situation to strengthen your faith like never before.

How many times do I complain about God’s detours in my life? Could it be that He is possibly saving me from a defeating battle? Why would I ever doubt God’s direction in my life?

Throughout the years, there have always been times when I look back and can see God’s protection and direction either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. God has a plan, even for our detours. We just need to trust Him through the journey.

This devotion was written by Amy Carrico, author of Making the Moments Matter Blog

Last Updated on March 23, 2024