Finding a Different Way – A Divine Detour – To God’s Will

Sometimes we may face obstacles or oppositions that seem to hinder God’s will for our lives. We may feel discouraged or frustrated, and wonder if we are on the right path. But God is faithful and He can guide us through any situation, even if it means guiding us around a divine detour.

One example of this is the story of the three Wise men in Matthew 2:1-12. They came from the east to worship the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus Christ. They followed a star that led them to Jerusalem, where they met King Herod. Herod pretended to be interested in finding Jesus, but he actually wanted to kill Him. He asked the Wise men to tell him where they found Jesus, so he could also worship Him.

The Wise men continued their journey and found Jesus in Bethlehem. They offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and worshiped Him. Then they had a dream from God, warning them not to go back to Herod, and so they returned to their country by a different way.

The Wise men obeyed God’s warning and avoided Herod’s evil plan. They did not let Herod’s deception or threat stop them from worshiping Jesus. They trusted God’s guidance and found a different way to accomplish His will.

Another example of this is the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:6-10. They were traveling through Asia Minor, preaching the gospel and planting churches. They wanted to go to some regions, but the Holy Spirit prevented them from doing so. They tried to enter another region, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. They were confused and did not know where to go next.

Then Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia, begging him to come and help them. Paul understood that this was God’s direction for them, and so they immediately left for Macedonia. There they met Lydia, a seller of purple cloth, who became a believer and opened her home for them. They also met a slave girl who had a spirit of divination, and cast out the demon from her. This caused trouble for them, as her owners lost their source of income. They were beaten and thrown into prison.

But God had a plan for them even in prison. At midnight, they prayed and sang praises to God, and an earthquake shook the prison. The doors opened and the chains fell off. The jailer was about to kill himself, thinking that the prisoners had escaped, but Paul stopped him and told him that they were all there. The jailer asked what he must do to be saved, and Paul shared the gospel with him. The jailer and his household believed in Jesus and were baptized.

Paul and Silas followed God’s guidance and found a different way to spread His word. They did not let the Holy Spirit’s restrictions or the persecution stop them from preaching the gospel. They trusted God’s sovereignty and found a different way (a divine detour) to fulfill His mission.

These stories show us that God can use dreams, visions, circumstances, or even oppositions to direct us to His will. We may not always understand His ways or timing, but we can trust His wisdom and love. He knows what is best for us and for His kingdom. He can make a way where there seems to be no way.

If you are facing an obstacle or a challenge that seems to block God’s will for your life, do not lose hope or give up. Seek God’s guidance and listen to His voice. He may show you a different way to overcome or sidestep the problem. He may have a greater purpose or blessing for you along the way. He may use your situation to glorify His name or bless others.

Remember that God is with you and for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He will make all things work together for your good and His glory. He will fulfill His will in your life in His time and in His way.