Exodus 13:21 – By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (NIV)

No word holds more weight than the word "detour" to people driving with a 27-foot trailer in tow behind them. Early last fall, we spent a week in Pennsylvania, USA. We have visited this area many times in the past twenty years, but this was our first trip with our travel trailer. On our journey home, we hit detours three times, each time requiring us to turn the trailer completely around and go back the other way. Each detour was a little different in nature, but all required us to manoeuvre the trailer in a smaller space than was required to make this an easy feat. At each detour, each of us had an idea on the best way to manoeuvre the trailer around safely. We talked and shared our ideas, and then, the detour was done. Each detour that day lent itself to an opportunity to pray and thank God for keeping us safe on our journey home. It was, at times, frustrating and even funny, but most of all, it took us off our planned route and added a lot of time to our journey home. Could we have prepared for the detours? Not really. Could we have anticipated the detours? Well, maybe one on such a long trip, but three in the same day?

As I thought about this journey, I realized that in life, we face detours all the time. Some are of our own doing, and some are sent our way. The fact that we discussed what to do points to the value of Christian fellowship and support in our decision-making. Just as we prayed and thanked God for keeping us safe on our journey home, so all of life's emergencies and problems are opportunities to pray and depend on God's guidance. Yes, the detours slowed us down, but life is often so busy that we need to be reminded to slow down and sit in God's presence. Although we had no idea why we had so many detours that added great length to our trip home, we know that in all of life, God knows the way, and He is always in control.

Nahum 1:7 – The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You always have Your sights upon us. Help us daily to show others the road that leads to eternal life in You. Thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross for us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Julie Bowles <julieanni@rogers.com>
Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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