Navigating Divine Detours – When You’re Tempted To Run Ahead Of God’s Timing

“We’ve got to go!” I barked across the house while snatching my keys off the hook. Already running late, I decided to take a back route.

For me, being late is ranked right up there with a root canal. Tension bubbles. Blood boils. Frustration flows. And logical thinking, well, it flies right out the window!

With tunnel vision set on my destination and in a frenzy to be on time, we set out on a less congested, fewer lights, GET ME THERE ON TIME path. The only problem – I completely missed the “Road Closed” sign. My brilliant time-saving plan soon came to the screeching halt of a dead end.

In my 20 years of walking with the Lord, I have found myself at many crossroads. Frazzled by time and frustrated by delays, I have ventured ahead or lagged behind and complained when it didn’t work out. In one breath, I profess “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4) while the next breath questions His ways and searches for the answers in my endless demands.

What about you? Have you found yourself facing a dead end wondering how you missed the signs? Or, perhaps you’ve poured your efforts into something for God to say “You’re not ready.” Maybe, like me, you’ve been frustrated by an obviously shorter route, tempting you to sprint ahead of God’s plan.

Thankfully, we serve a merciful God full of second, third, and fourth chances. The Ancient of Days who sees the end from the beginning, including every curvy diverted route, dry, barren desert, and dead-end.

Follow His Diverted Paths

Some of life’s hardest, most rewarding lessons are not learned in a short cliff note version. While we might think – and pray – God would lead us on the quickest route, His higher plan may include a diverted path.

As God prepared the Israelites to leave Egypt, He led them the long way for their protection. That’s right; there was a shorter way that God did not choose. God knew if they faced war, they would change their mind and return to slavery. His path of protection for your life might just be the long, less desirable route. Follow Him. He has prepared a path for you. A way to prepare you and use you.

• “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”” Exodus 13:17

Wait On The Lord In The Desert

The Israelites prepared and readied themselves for the very thing God knew they weren’t ready for – battle. Sometimes we think we’re ready for “battle” only to have God lead us into the desert, knowing we’re not. Don’t get me wrong, waiting is one of this life’s hardest trials, but fight the temptation to run ahead. When we run ahead, we end up worshiping other things; building altars to the gods of our plans (Exodus 32:1). But there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord (Proverbs 21:30).

People who faithfully waited fill the pages of Scripture. Abraham waited 25 years for the promised child. Joseph waited 22 years, suffering many trials before his dreams came true. The Old Testament fathers waited for the coming Messiah. And Jesus waited 30 years to enter His life’s mission.

So “trust the Lord; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.” (Psalm 37:3) Occupy the desert land under your feet and remain in His safe pasture as you wait patiently for Him.

•  “So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” Exodus 13:18
• “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” Psalm 37:7

Trust His Sovereignty In Dead Ends

Sitting at the end of the road that day, unable to see past the barricades, I had a choice. I could continue to drive facing the consequences, or I could turn around and trust the signs. While the Israelites prepared to leave Egypt “armed for battle,” He was preparing them for a grand deliverance at the dead end of the Red Sea. Often, God has something great in mind, but when we face the dead-end, we grab hold of the reigns and run ahead.

Imagine what they would have missed had they said, “We’re armed for battle and know a shorter way.” Because our Great God is mighty in power with no limit to His understanding (Psalm 147:5), we can lean on Him. Fall on His understanding. If God has led you toward the Red Sea, trust God to part it.

•  “So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle.” Exodus 13:18
• “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)

That day, I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes, my need to “be on time” is actually a rush to “do it in my time.” I end up missing signs and heading down a road that’s either not intended for me or not quite ready for me to travel. Sometimes the shortest route isn’t always the best or even the fastest.