Distractions, Delays, and Detours: Part Two of Two

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4–5 (NKJV)

What do you think of when you see a Detour sign?

Do you groan as you imagine the detour causing you to be delayed? Does it cause a level of anxiety?

Do you embrace a detour as a new challenge or adventure?

A detour to avoid a fire had my husband and I driving out of Klamath Falls, Oregon through rural towns in northeastern California. Worry crept in. Would there be gas stations along the way? Would the route be carefully marked? Would we get lost?

Our fears were unfounded. To our delight, we found Fort Crook Museum in the small town of Fall River Mills, California. Preserving the history of Fort Crook and the Intermountain area, numerous buildings showcase the 1800s through World War 2 and beyond, including farming tools, a blacksmith shop, a one-room schoolhouse carefully recreated, early cabins and homes, and a round barn. We were thankful for the alternative route!

In Overcoming Distractions: Press On in Faith (June 2026 devotional), we looked at distractions and delays, and how we could overcome distractions in our walk with God.  For July, we will focus on detours, and how God can use them for our good and for his glory.

Sometimes the indirect routes in life are of our own making. Perhaps sin derails us, or we’re not prepared for the test or for skills we need. My participation in gossip hurt a high school friendship. An ignored temperature gauge almost burned up my car engine. Our decisions can cause delays and detours.

Detours can be initiated by God. Our alternative routes may occur because God has them in His perfect plan for us. Let’s look at the detours in the lives of a few people from Scripture.

The psalmist David was a youth and a shepherd when he was anointed as the king of Israel by the prophet Samuel. At thirty, he finally became king over Judah, and he eventually he reigned over all Israel and Judah (2 Samuel 5:1–5). During the delay, God equipped him with his Holy Spirit and prepared David to become the king God had chosen. David learned about mercy, others’ betrayal, and forgiveness. He learned to follow the Lord, and to seek God’s forgiveness when he failed. The shepherd became a great warrior, the leader of an army, and a king (1 Samuel; 2 Samuel).

Consider the Holy Spirit’s detour in Paul and Timothy’s ministry. The Holy Spirit directed them to another location to preach the gospel (Acts 16:6–10).

Some ways to follow detours in life are similar to following a road detour.

• “Fuel up.” Spend time in Scripture and prayer. Stay in constant communication with the Lord, waiting in Him as King David learned to do (Psalm 25:5).
• Follow directions. Obey what God tells you to do. Listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading. He guides us truthfully.

Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation;… Psalm 25:4–5a (NKJV)

• Find wise counsel. Seek advice from someone who will steer you in the right direction. When we travel, we ask locals where to find good food. When I searched for employment after years of staying home with our children, a close Christian friend prayed with me. She gave me sound, godly advice.

When has the Lord taken you on a detour? What was your reaction at the time? Did you see it as God directing you either then, or later? Please share in the comments.

Detour ahead? Let’s ‘fuel up’ by spending time with God, follow His directions, and seek wise godly counsel so we get where we are supposed to go.

Heavenly Father, please guide me. When distractions, delays, and detours come my way, help me to obey you in complete trust that you know the best way for me to go. In Jesus’s name. Amen. 

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Thank you for reading my devotionals. Thank you for your patience with me. ~Kathryn

For more information about Fort Crook Museum, see https://www.fortcrook.com/

Scriptures marked NKJV are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV): Scripture taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright© 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.