We’ve been on the road for several days, my husband and I. We encountered road construction and rubbernecking delays while
passing a fatal accident on the other side of the highway. We also made our own detour to visit several historic sites.

After hours of driving, taking the time tdetour-44160_1280o walk around and learn about important Civil War battles provided a welcome break. On previous trips, we have taken detours that resulted in delightful surprises.

Once we met a tour guide who had been a friend of my late uncle. One detour through the Smoky Mountains allowed us to see gorgeous vistas we would have otherwise missed. During another  short “detour,” we befriended a woman in a Chick-Fil-A restaurant who needed prayer.

Sometimes life sends us on detours. Perhaps an unexpected job loss leads to a change in career, one that turns out to be far better than the lost job. Or a health crisis causes us to slow down and enjoy the journey instead of maintaining an impossibly hectic  schedule.

When our plans don’t work out the way we expect, we find that God orchestrates events that are far better, providing us with unexpected joy or with the opportunity to bless a complete stranger.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Proverbs 29:11, ESV).

Whether we see immediate benefits or not, we can thank God for detours. He knows the way we take, even when it’s not what we had in mind. But His plans are always good.

When has God turned a detour into a blessing for you?