Devotional—The Struggle of Sanctification—The Journey Includes Detours
I can recall traveling a familiar route to make a weekly patient visit. The main road went through a residential area that was always busy, but this morning was unusual, traffic was at a standstill. Was there an accident? Only a couple of miles remained from my point of reference to the patient’s home. And then I saw the huge sign with bright orange letters, DETOUR, with an arrow pointing to the left.
When I turned left into the residential area, it was like a maze. My emotions tried to surface, but I focused on the cars ahead of me. They were not driving slowly from panic. No, with confidence, they kept driving and I followed, hoping they would lead me to the main road. After a 10-minute journey with countless twists and turns, I saw the familiar road. Breathing a sigh of relief, I looked and realized that I was only one turn from my final destination.
Our journey is filled with many unexpected detours. When facing the sudden onset of illness, financial disaster, family issues, failed relationships, dissolution of marriage, and even death, the normal processes that we depend on fail to bring resolution. Even with careful planning and the use of proven strategies that keep our lives stable, the vicissitudes of life arise which cause us to stop and seek outside help.
Our success depends on whom we call for help. Yes, we can ask family and friends, but only after we have taken our challenges to God first. Only Divine Intervention can provide Divine Resolution.
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation [trials, sorrows, and hardships], but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
As long as we travel this earthly journey, the detours will continue. Yet, when we call on the name of Jesus in times of distress, God promises us that He will answer and provide hope, healing, and a victorious outcome.
Prayer: God, we desperately need Your help to continue on the Path of Righteousness. Jesus, the detours are overwhelming. We cast our cares and burdens on You. Lord and Savior, we love You. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer. In Your Worthy name, we pray. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 