(This is a piece I wrote in 2012 – I never published and I’m not sure I ever let anyone read…enjoy!)
You get in your car. The destination is clear. I’m going to the store to pick up ingredients for a special meal. You start on your journey and all looks well. About five miles into the journey, the road is blocked. The bridge you thought could be crossed is closed.
My question – What is your reaction? What is your mental state?
Do you stop completely where you are completely shocked at the change?
Do you pull over, adjust, and then go forward?
Do you give up, turn around, and go back home?
Detours are a part of our lives. They happen. God knows already they will take place. Our reaction is the key.
I know in my life, I’ve had strong sense of the direction God is taking me. I see the BIG picture. I’ve caught the vision. I am a teacher. I am a writer. I am an author. I am a speaker. I am a coach. I am an advocate. I am a leader. I have envisioned myself in front of large groups of people ministering. I have seen myself as leading a nonprofit organization or church.
But there have been detours…
Then I start to ponder on the story of Joseph beginning in Genesis 37. How he had this vision of himself reigning over his brothers and family as a leader. How he felt and possibly boasted of the greatness within – his potential. He saw great things God would do through him in the future. He saw himself as a leader in his visions. He had a path.
But then there were detours…
Then I begin to look at the “process” God took him through, jealousy, difficulties, false accusations, belittling – and how Joseph stood tall and remained in correct character. How he stayed faithful and walked in excellence no matter the circumstance. Many of us would have given up, turned around, thrown in the towel, or taken on the attitude of those around us.
Now I know I probably haven’t been completely “a model holder of the vision” like Joseph. I probably haven’t always represented God in a manner that was always honoring – but I know I’ve attempted to be faithful.
I can’t wait to see and walk in the time beyond all the detours, setbacks, and disappointments. I pray I can be more faithful like Joseph to stand in “right standing – upstanding” character while going through. People could tell Joseph was headed elsewhere, that he was different. They could see that God was with him, despite his station in life.
Lord, we pray for more of your character through all the detours of our life. Signaling to all that You are with us and haven’t forsaken us.
lifeandgodliness 