Detours

Today’s message was written by the founder of Dial Hope, the Rev. Roger Kunkel

Most of us are allergic to detours. Others are waiting for us, and we’re exactly on time… then the “Detour” sign appears. It may be that a bridge is being repaired or the road is being rebuilt. The fact remains that our planned journey has been interrupted. Detours also confront us as we travel through life. Illness comes. The company closes its doors when our need for work is greatest. Even in little matters, it happens. Our garage door won’t open, for example. Or, you have that flat tire on your way to a job interview. Murphy’s law sometimes seems to be the controlling force of life: If anything can go wrong, it will. Friend of Dial Hope, interruptions and detours will come. The big question is… How do you handle them? Let me suggest five positive ideas:

1. Never view a detour as the end of the road.
2. Don’t wallow in self-pity.
3. Think about detours and interruptions as fresh and new opportunities.
4. Try to learn from detours.
5. Trust the Lord of the read.

These are some of the most powerful words in the Bible: “I am with you always.” (Matthew 28:20; “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28). You may stumble, but God is ready to pick you up. Trust God… trust God and move on to becoming the person God wants you to be.

Let us pray: Awesome God, we believe, help our unbelief. Help us to risk love and trust completely in you. Enlarge our hearts and move us to become hope-a-holics. Surprise us now with your grace in unexpected places as we make this day a masterpiece. In Jesus’ name. Amen.