Finding Meaning in the Middle of Change Sample

When Life Takes a Detour

Life detours are a consistent theme in the Bible. We see it with Joseph when he’s chosen by God, then spends years in prison. We see it with Ruth when her first husband dies shortly after their marriage, and then she follows her mother-in-law to a foreign country. We see it with Paul—who wrote most of the New Testament—a lot. 

From scales falling from his eyes to being bound in prison, very few people understand detours like Paul.

In fact, let’s take a closer look at one of his detours. Paul had big plans to travel to Rome and share the Good News of Jesus. Looking at his heart and his motives, it’s hard to believe God wouldn’t want Paul to be successful. However, along the way, Paul was imprisoned. His big plan suddenly came to a halt, and his detour began.

Here’s what we learn from Paul about unexpected life changes:

• God’s good work hasn’t stopped (Philippians 1:6).
• Our detours pave the way for God’s divine plan (Philippians 1:12).
• We are called to continually rejoice (Philippians 1:18-19).

While Paul was imprisoned, it would have been really easy for him to complain and worry. He knew he could be executed at any moment. Instead, he used his detour to do exactly what he was called to Rome to do—share the gospel. 

When he set out for Rome, he thought he would be preaching to the masses. Instead, he was able to personally share the gospel with each of the guards he was chained to.

So, what does this mean for us? We can learn to see obstacles as opportunities. With the right perspective, we can be like Paul, declaring:

... what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. Philippians 1:12 NIV

Prayer: God, as I look back on my life, I can see You working in the setbacks and changes. I’m grateful that even when I don’t understand, I can trust that You have the best plan in mind. Help me start seeing obstacles as opportunities to advance the gospel, and I ask that Your will would be done in my life—not my own. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Talk to God about a specific detour in your life. Thank Him for it, and then ask Him any questions you still have about its purpose.