Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 3, 2014
So he [Jesus] left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. John 4:3-4
Sometimes the Lord directs me down a different road from where I thought I was going. In the same wayan orange detour sign’s black arrow points drivers around an impassable road, so the Spirit can lead me in a circuitous route to avoid a relational wreck or help a searching soul. I don’t like the feeling of meandering, but this may be God’s way to protect me from my way. I am learning to appreciate the Lord’s detours and not rush to my final destination. God’s goal is not for me to just go from point A to point B. He longs for me to enjoy the journey.
Jesus followed His heavenly Father on a godly excursion. Instead of hurrying back in an efficient pace to Galilee, He took His time to stop in Samaria to love a lady labeled unlovable by His culture. Jesus was intentional to instigate a relationship with a person who could not give Him anything in return. What seemed on the surface to be a less efficient schedule, was more effective in God’s Kingdom. Jesus paused for one person. Giving the gift of eternal life to one trumped being expedient with many. He took a detour from the plan so He could follow the Father’s plan.
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me. Yet not My will, but Your will, be done” (Luke 22:42, The Voice).
Is your faith flexible? Can you joyfully follow your heavenly Father to places and people that are not a part of your original plan? Perhaps the Spirit is calling you to stay longer in your current circumstance so you can continue to model Jesus for those who have limited experience with Jesus. Maybe the Lord has detoured you onto an unlit, uncrowded back road of life to test your belief and to grow your trust in Him. A life enamored by the noise and speed of busy highways can rush around only to discover Christ was just down the street in the cul-de-sac. Faith waits.
God’s detours are opportunities to know others and to make God known. By faith, our uncertain and imperfect path leads us into the certainty of the Lord’s perfect path. When His Spirit prompts our spirit to pause, we are wise to wait on His leading. Faith follows Jesus to people and places who need Jesus. His detours are His blessings in disguise. We are all blessed by impromptu love in Jesus’ name. God’s detours are the best route to enjoy His results.
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage to change plans according to Your plans.
Related Readings: Proverbs 5:21; Isaiah 2:3; Jeremiah 6:16; Luke 4:1; Romans 8:14
Post/Tweet this today: Faith follows Jesus to people and places who need Jesus. #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 1 minute video- Tony Evans, The Purpose of Detours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxy7wzTVSBk
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